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A travel agent offers more than a booking service to clients.
They offer expert guidance for travelers to domestic and international destinations, obtain all necessary documentation required for travel and help navigate any problem that arises before, during, and after the trip.
If you enjoy helping people with their travel needs and planning trips around the world, becoming a travel agent in New Mexico is the perfect job for you.
There are things you should know before taking steps to become a travel agent in New Mexico.
Travel agents offer a wide range of services that go beyond helping travelers book their vacations.
They learn about geography and destinations, research travel restrictions and concerns, and know where to find travel specials that are not easily found online.
Travel agents provide advice to travelers.
They serve as negotiators and mediators for travelers.
They handle all of the logistics for clients, such as obtaining proper visas and other documentation required for traveling to destinations.
They also serve as the problem-solver for travelers who run into problems on trips with flights, hotels, accommodations, and excursions.
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Travel Agent Licensing Requirements in New Mexico
The state of New Mexico does not require any specific license to work as a travel agent.
The state does require registration of businesses generally if a travel agent sets up a corporate structure to serve clients, such as a limited liability corporation or some other type of business, according to the New Mexico Secretary of State.
Although New Mexico does not require licensing, some travel agents opt for voluntary certification programs offered by professional organizations, such as The Travel Institute.
Travel Agent Training in New Mexico
If you are interested in becoming a travel agent in New Mexico, but you are new to the industry, you may want to take courses that provide basic training.
Many travel agents start as an apprentice working with a more experienced agent, where they learn about the business and how to serve clients.
Because there are no standards in the travel industry for the education and training of agents, a new travel agent can start in the field with a high school diploma.
But some courses in the field are available at technical and community colleges.
These courses teach some fundamental principles, such as customer service, marketing, and business development.
They also teach specific skills such as travel planning, itinerary development, and information about travel booking systems used by airlines, hotels, and resorts.
There are also more specific courses that focus on travel destinations, such as Mexico and South America.
University of New Mexico: This travel agent training course offers the novice the basic information needed to work as a travel advisor.
The course includes training on domestic and international travel destinations, and marketing and customer service training.
The online course is a self-paced program that can be completed within a six-month period and it costs $2,095.
Average Travel Agent Salary in New Mexico
The average salary for a travel agent in New Mexico is $35,356, but annual pay can range between $32,214 and $41,175, according to data from Salary.com’s website.
Salary ranges vary widely based on the local jurisdiction, education, training, professional certifications, and a number of years working in the industry.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $36,215 |
| Las Cruces | $32,881 |
| Santa Fe | $36,555 |
| Rio Rancho | $36,099 |
| Roswell | $33,925 |
| Farmington | $35,805 |
| Alamogordo | $34,505 |
| Clovis | $34,848 |
| Hobbs | $34,532 |
| Carlsbad | $33,925 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 80 | $44,280 | $21.29 | $62,100 | $25,580 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to become a travel agent in New Mexico?
New Mexico does not have a licensing requirement for travel agents, so there are no costs associated with a license.
However, there may be fees associated with creating a business to work as a travel agent, both at the state and local levels.
A general business license, registration, and permit may be required if a corporate structure is registered in the state of New Mexico.
What training does the state of New Mexico require for travel agents?
You can work as a travel agent in New Mexico without any required specific training.
However, certain travel agencies may require travel agents they hire to complete professional courses that offer the basic information needed to work in the industry.
There are also more advanced courses that offer training about specific travel activities, such as cruises or certain travel destinations.
How competitive is New Mexico for aspiring travel agents?
In the state of New Mexico, there are fewer than 200 travel agents, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There are opportunities for travel agents to work in the state without the competition that other states experience from a larger number of active workers in the field.
The job offers opportunities for agents to create their own businesses, join an existing travel agency, or work from home while learning the business.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State