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Do you want to become a travel agent in Louisiana?
If so, you could become instrumental in offering travelers the ride, cruise, or flight of their life.
If you want to become a successful seller of travel products in this state, make sure you learn as much about the area and about popular outside destinations as possible.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Louisiana
As a Louisiana travel agent, you will have the opportunity to arrange travel for personal and business trips.
You will probably spend quite a bit of time planning itineraries for corporate vacation clients and book rental cars, hotels, tours, events, and more.
However, it is more than just about the logistics of booking a vacation.
Your duties also include sharing the culture and traditions of New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and more.
In addition, you will need to get to know your clients’ interests.
What would they like to do on a trip?
Some people, for example, would prefer kayaking or camping, but others prefer sporting events.
Your responsibilities also include ensuring your travelers stay safe on their trips.
They might need education on current vaccination protocol, for example, especially if entering from outside the United States.
You will also need to advise them about any outbreaks in the area, the tap water condition, and more for health reasons.
Licensing Requirements to Become A Louisiana Travel Agent
You must obtain your high school diploma, and you need to take the Travel Agent Proficiency test.
You also can obtain one of three available certificates: CTA, CTC, and CTIE, and you could apply to become a Verified Travel Advisor or a Cruise Counselor.
Louisiana requires no further training besides what you receive on the job, but it is recommended.
Louisiana Travel Agent Programs
The link provided in the licensing and certification section of the travel agent job description offered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics leads you to The Travel Institute website.
That is where you can start exploring your options and finding the Louisiana travel school near you, as well as participate in one of the following programs:
- The CTA (Certified Travel Associate) license requires that you have at least 18 months of travel experience. You can shorten this time to 12 months if you have completed the TAP test. This training includes teaching on the following topics: travel sales techniques, customer service professionalism, and office skills. Time management remains a priority while seeking your training.
- The CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) licensing comes after obtaining a CTA and having already worked in the travel industry for five years. Consumer relationships, marketing, office politics management, and marketing strategy development include some of this course’s primary content.
- Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) licensing comes after five years of experience beyond the time you first held the CTC certificate. You will learn advanced accounting and business management techniques during this training period. You will also begin to learn about travel law at this educational level.
- The ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) provides you with an additional opportunity to make travel career advancements. This certification program usually costs about $399 for ASTA members and $598 for non-members.
You also can obtain additional training that certifies you to deal with cruise sales and operations.
These include certifications such as the Certified and Accredited Cruise Counselors and several other licensing options.
Louisiana Travel Agent Salary
Salary ranges based on education, skills, prior experience, and certifications.
As a Louisiana travel agent, you can expect to get paid between $33,764-$43,158.
The average salary totals approximately $37,058 by the last quarter of 2021.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $38,267 |
| Baton Rouge | $35,967 |
| Shreveport | $35,565 |
| Lafayette | $35,541 |
| Lake Charles | $35,054 |
| Kenner | $38,247 |
| Bossier City | $35,565 |
| Monroe | $35,379 |
| Alexandria | $34,273 |
| New Iberia | $35,335 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 40 | $54,820 | $26.36 | $147,950 | $30,070 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years of school do I need to be a Louisiana travel agent?
You technically do not need any training beyond a high school diploma.
However, you will benefit from receiving further education.
It could take you an average of six months to two years, depending on how far you plan to take your travel career.
How do I get a Louisiana Travel agent license?
You will most likely need to obtain it through a third-party licensing provider.
If you have any questions about becoming a licensed travel agent, contact the Louisiana government directly.
You can also review licensing information found at the American Society of Travel Advisors and Cruise Lines International Association websites.
To work as a Louisiana travel agent, you do not necessarily need to have obtained school in that state before operating there.
What are the annual fees for holding my Louisiana travel license?
The annual fees depend on your yearly income earned as a travel agent.
It would add up to a percentage of what you earn, particularly if you decide to become a VTA.
You will need to contact the Louisiana government website about general seller’s permit information or consult a third-party licensing provider.
If you want to become a VTA, you can go to ASTA to sign up for VTA certification after training, and the cost for this is $399 for members and $598 for non-members.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State