What does a travel consultant do?

Travel consultants assist with planning, booking and managing client travel arrangements. They are also called travel agents, travel advisors, or tourism consultants.

The role of travel consultants is to understand the client’s needs, provide accurate travel options, coordinate transportation and arrange an excellent travel experience.

Ideally, travel consultants should know various travel destinations, local customs or events, currency and all recent travel regulations updates to curate a customised travel package based on the client’s budget and preferences. They leverage their vast network to collaborate with accommodation and transportation providers to secure and negotiate amazing deals.

Any business (small, mid-sized, or large corporations) that involves frequent or occasional travelling can benefit from a travel consultant. By hiring them, organisations can save time and money to arrange efficient, stress-free, cost-effective travel.

Along with providing expert travel advice and assisting with their service, travel consultants also have excellent communication and management skills. With the emergence of new destinations, navigating complex itineraries and providing insider knowledge is necessary. A knowledgeable travel consultant is, thus, a vital part of the travel industry.

Job Description: Template

We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced travel consultant at [company name] — who can advise, plan and manage our client’s travel itineraries.

As a travel consultant, you must communicate efficiently to understand each client’s needs, time and budget constraints — and arrange customised travel options accordingly. You would research and recommend flights, hotels, sightseeing options (domestic/international) and other travel-related services to the clients. Your ability to monitor and handle any concerns or issues relating to the client’s travel within a short interval will be critical for this position.

If you are enthusiastic about travelling and have excellent communication skills, you’re perfect for this role. We welcome applicants who have the skills to provide excellent customer service and love to plan fantastic travel experiences. We are committed towards diversity and inclusiveness and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Objectives of this role

  • Managing, planning and assisting with clients’ travel preferences and creating a tailored itinerary based on their budgets.
  • Organising end-to-end services like booking tickets, accommodation, medical needs, travel, and transportation.
  • Documenting and maintaining records of clients’ payments, invoices, and other travel-related bookings in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Staying updated by attending seminars or conferences about the latest travel-related trends, regulations and safety measures to provide informed recommendations.

Your tasks

  • Research all information regarding weather conditions, local customs, language, currency, and events to make the journey enjoyable.
  • Provide exceptional client service with planning and booking business/leisure trips.
  • Maintain relationships with clients, vendors, travel partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Communicate with clients via phone, mail, or in person about the travel itineraries and address any concerns or questions they may have during or after their trip.
  • Educate the clients regarding the cancellation policy, refunds or any penalties.
  • Research and negotiate with travel vendors for the best possible rates and packages.
  • Prepare marketing and promotional methods to sell tour itinerary packages.
  • Stay informed about travel trends, regulations and industry-related news to offer the best possible service.

Required skills and qualifications

  • A graduate degree in hospitality, travel or a related field.
  • Prior experience as a travel consultant, travel agent, or similar role with an exceptional customer service record.
  • Meticulous planner with attention to detail with bookings, payments or other travel-related requirements.
  • Excellent communication and managing skills to build and maintain client relationships.
  • Proficiency in research and writing (local and international travel arrangements).
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple client bookings.
  • Proficiency in English, Hindi, French and any other language (local and/or international).
  • Expertise in specific types of travel, such as adventurous, luxury, or corporate travel. 

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Experience with travel booking software like Sabre, Amadeus, or Travelport.
  • Relevant certifications like IATA/UFTAA (International Air Transport Association/United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations), TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India), or IITC (The International Institute of Travel).
  • Knowledge of additional languages: Dutch, German, Italian, Chinese, and/or Japanese (for international travels); Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, and/or Punjabi (for domestic trips).
  • Passion for travel and customer service.