The tourism industry in Ohio will keep increasing over the next few years.
This means there will be plenty of job opportunities for new travel agents.
If you think this career is the right one for you, first you need to learn more about it.
Luckily, you can simply check out the article below and get some information.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Ohio
Before you can become a travel agent, you have to know what this job is all about.
Usually, you have to assist your clients with:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
Plus, you also have to:
- Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Keep accurate records
- Find solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handle payments and deposits
- Promote the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiate with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
Those looking to have a specialization can pursue one of the following ones:
- Honeymoon
- Have some more family time together
- For business
- Go on a cruise
- Luxury
- Budget
- Relaxation
Travel Agent Job Requirements in Ohio
You will also need some particular skills, which include:
- Good communication skills
- Good management skills
- Able to use various computer programs
- Good problem-solving skills
- Great marketing skills
- Able to work full-time
- Detail-oriented
- Being confident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Having a clean criminal record
- Being honest
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speaking a foreign language
- Liking and having the ability to travel
In Ohio, you can start a travel agent career without higher education.
You are also not required to have a travel agent license.
Despite that, you may want to get certification as it can bring you a better salary.
One of the best parts about this job is that you get to travel to various destinations.
This way, you will be able to provide your clients with better info.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Ohio
After deciding to get certified, you have to join a training program first.
By attending a program in your area, you will get the needed skills and education.
In Ohio, you can select an online program or a physical one.
Generally, online programs are chosen by those who are already working.
Check out the following schools in order to locate programs:
Top 27 Schools in Ohio
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashland University | 401 COLLEGE AVENUE ASHLAND, OH 44805 |
| Bryant and Stratton College | 12955 SNOW RD PARMA, OH 44130 |
| Bowling Green State University | 220 MCFALL CTR BOWLING GREEN, OH 43403 |
| Case Western Reserve University | 10900 EUCLID AVE CLEVELAND, OH 44106 |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | 3520 CENTRAL PARKWAY CINCINNATI, OH 45223 |
| Columbus State Community College | 550 E SPRING ST COLUMBUS, OH 43215 |
| Cuyahoga Community College | 700 CARNEGIE AVE CLEVELAND, OH 44115 |
| Hocking College | 3301 HOCKING PARKWAY NELSONVILLE, OH 45764 |
| Kent State University | 2ND FLOOR LIBRARY KENT, OH 44242 |
| Kent State University | 3300 LAKE ROAD WEST ASHTABULA, OH 44004 |
| Lorain County Community College | 1005 NORTH ABBE RD ELYRIA, OH 44035 |
| Ohio Business College | 5095 WATERFORD DR. SHEFFIELD VILLAGE, OH 44035 |
| Ohio Business College | 5202 TIMBER COMMONS DRIVE SANDUSKY, OH 44870 |
| Ohio University | 120 CHUBB HALL, 1 OHIO UNIVERSITY DRIVE ATHENS, OH 45701 |
| Ohio University | 1804 LIBERTY AVE IRONTON, OH 45638 |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | 61 S SANDUSKY STREET DELAWARE, OH 43015 |
| Owens Community College | 30335 OREGON RD PERRYSBURG, OH 43551 |
| Sinclair Community College | 444 W. THIRD ST. DAYTON, OH 45402 |
| Stark State College | 6200 FRANK AVE NW NORTH CANTON, OH 44720 |
| Terra State Community College | 2830 NAPOLEON RD FREMONT, OH 43420 |
| The Ohio State University | 281 WEST LANE AVE COLUMBUS, OH 43210 |
| Tiffin University | 155 MIAMI STREET TIFFIN, OH 44883 |
| University of Akron | 302 BUCHTEL COMMON AKRON, OH 44325 |
| University of Findlay | 1000 NORTH MAIN STREET FINDLAY, OH 45840 |
| University of Northwestern Ohio | 1441 N CABLE RD LIMA, OH 45805 |
| University of Rio Grande | 218 N COLLEGE AVE RIO GRANDE, OH 45674 |
| Youngstown State University | ONE UNIVERSITY PLAZA YOUNGSTOWN, OH 44555 |
The schools in Ohio require a high school diploma or a GED in order to accept students.
The programs feature the classes below:
- Introduction to the travel industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic/International geography
- Destination geography
- Introduction to international travel
- Introduction to air travel
- Transportation
- Career development
- Sales and marketing for travel
Travel Agent Salary and Employment in Ohio
In Ohio, there are many ways to build a travel agent career.
You can apply for a job in an office and work for a tourism company.
Many companies are looking to hire travel agents that have a certification.
Another choice is working independently and starting your own agency.
For that to happen, you will need to get some more certifications.
You probably also want to know what is the average salary for a travel agent in Ohio.
You will get paid better if you have a higher degree or some experience in tourism.
This is also the case if you live in a big city, where you can find more job options.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$34K | |
$37K | |
$44K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Ohio
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $37,868 |
| Cleveland | $37,994 |
| Cincinnati | $37,538 |
| Toledo | $37,154 |
| Akron | $36,854 |
| Dayton | $37,315 |
| Canton | $36,803 |
| Youngstown | $36,459 |
| Lorain | $37,376 |
| Hamilton | $37,384 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 180 | $42,730 | $20.54 | $57,140 | $31,200 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 300 | $45,490 | $21.87 | $59,540 | $31,340 |
| Columbus, OH | 190 | $44,100 | $21.2 | $59,750 | $31,720 |
| Dayton, OH | 40 | $42,870 | $20.61 | $58,180 | $30,720 |
| Toledo, OH | 50 | $39,550 | $19.01 | $46,450 | $31,210 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Ohio
Once your license is issued, you will also have to keep it updated.
Travel agent certifications usually expire after a few years.
This can be done if you take some additional hours of education.
To find out exactly what you need to do, make sure to contact the agency which licensed you.
It always begins with a passion for travel and a strong desire to help others explore Ohio. You will have to learn all the history and tourist spots around the area.
Consider enrolling in a travel and tourism program at a local college or pursuing online courses to gain foundational knowledge about the industry.
Networking with established travel agents and agencies in Ohio can provide valuable insights and potential job opportunities.
Building expertise in specific travel niches, such as luxury travel, adventure tourism, or group travel can set you apart in the competitive travel agent market.
Keep in mind that success in being a travel agent in Ohio relies on excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and staying up-to-date with the latest travel trends and destinations.
There are a lot of travel agents already in the area but if you research and know the place already, you’ll get a lot of clients!