Even though the year 2020 was rough on the hospitality industry, it appears that things are slowly getting back to some sort of normal.
This means the demand for travel agents in West Virginia is on the rise again.
Read this article if you’re in need of a new job or just starting to consider your options!
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in West Virginia
Your future duties and responsibilities can give you a pretty good idea if you really want this job or not.
Travel agents are usually the middlemen between tourists and those offering these services:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
However, the agent has to match preferences and budgets with the offers and find the best solutions.
The preferences of the client could include the reason for traveling, such as:
- Honeymoon
- Have some more family time together
- For business
- Go on a cruise
- Luxury
- Budget
- Relaxation
Usually, to properly complete the task, you may have to also complete additional steps, like:
- Reviewing visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Keeping accurate records
- Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handling payments and deposits
- Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
Travel Agent Job Requirements in West Virginia
But what does it take to be a good travel agent?
This is easy, as the ideal travel agent has:
- 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
Depending on the employer, you might have to show additional papers, such as proof of experience in the field.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in West Virginia
In West Virginia, like in most other states, you don’t need a certificate to work as a travel agent.
However, having some education in the tourism or hospitality field will set you apart from other candidates.
It’s very common for these professionals to have a Bachelor’s degree in tourism.
Such a diploma can be earned from one of the schools below.
Top 6 Schools in West Virginia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| American Public University System | 111 W CONGRESS ST CHARLES TOWN, WV 25414 |
| Bridgevalley Community and Technical College | 2001 UNION CARBIDE DR SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV 25136 |
| Davis and Elkins College | 100 CAMPUS DR ELKINS, WV 26241 |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College | ONE MOUNTWEST WAY HUNTINGTON, WV 25701 |
| New River Community and Technical College | 280 UNIVERSITY DRIVE BEAVER, WV 25813 |
| West Virginia University | PO BOX 6201 MORGANTOWN, WV 26506 |
You can also try to enroll in a school from a different state if these ones are not offering an appealing program.
You’ll be asked for a high school or a GED diploma upon enrolling in these courses.
If you get accepted, these are some of the topics you’ll study:
- 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 West Virginia
Not many occupations offer two types of employment like that of a travel agent.
You can choose to work as one on your own or to be employed by an agency.
Either way, you will need to travel for business on a regular basis.
This will keep you informed on the changes taking place as well as help you better negotiate packages.
There are a few factors influencing your salary as a travel agent, including location and experience.
Have a look at the table below for a better idea regarding your possible salary as a travel agent in West Virginia.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$30K | |
$34K | |
$40K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in West Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $34,966 |
| Huntington | $34,286 |
| Morgantown | $37,580 |
| Parkersburg | $34,087 |
| Wheeling | $37,580 |
| Weirton | $37,451 |
| Fairmont | $37,580 |
| Martinsburg | $42,539 |
| Beckley | $34,659 |
| Clarksburg | $33,780 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV | 90 | $43,730 | $21.02 | $58,180 | $28,740 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in West Virginia
Those who start working on their own will need additional permits or licenses.
These documents may need to be maintained current and will require passing additional exams.
I’ve been considering a career change, and becoming a travel agent sounds like a dream. Glad to find a resource that lays out the steps, especially tailored to West Virginia.
It’s awesome to see the demand for travel agents in West Virginia. This guide gives me hope that there’s a viable career path for my love of exploring and helping others plan their adventures.
I never knew there were specific requirements for becoming a travel agent in West Virginia. This guide breaks it down nicely.
This is really helpful! I’ve always had a passion for travel and now I’m inspired to pursue it as a career. Can’t wait to dive into the specifics of becoming a travel agent in West Virginia.
As someone living in West Virginia, it’s great to see resources tailored to our state. Excited to explore the steps to becoming a travel agent right here at home!