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It is easy to start your own business as a travel agent in North Carolina, a popular and growing business that begins with a few basic steps that will be outlined here.
The good news is it does not take a lot of documentation to get set up as a travel agent in the state, but there are a few things you need to know.
Travel agents go beyond the basic online services that many people use to book their travel.
They are expert advisors to travelers about destinations, travel specials, visitor restrictions, and trip planning.
After consulting with clients, a travel agent can create customized travel itineraries.
They handle all of the travelers’ details and can help solve problems that may arise, such as booking problems at hotels, resorts, and airlines.
Travel agents can also negotiate discount rates.
They can book accommodation at times when a destination may show no availability.
For international travel, a travel agent can handle obtaining visas for clients, arrange any necessary health or vaccination screenings, and ensure there are no relevant travel restrictions or advisories that may affect the trip.
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Travel Agent Licensing Requirements in North Carolina
In North Carolina, there are no specific licensing requirements to operate as a travel agent.
All that is needed in the state is a basic business license if the operation is set up as a limited liability company, according to the North Carolina Department of State.
There may be local business license requirements, too, in North Carolina, depending on where you operate the business.
Check local business requirements for that information.
There are more than 1,000 travel agents employed in North Carolina, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Travel Agent Training in North Carolina
While there are no training courses required to become a travel agent in North Carolina, there are programs available to provide guidance for novices and voluntary certification by professional groups for agents who want more credentials.
Travel agents often learn on the job from a more experienced agent.
But some technical and community colleges offer courses and programs that provide training.
Students learn basic business principles, travel planning, customer service, airline pricing and ticketing systems, and itinerary planning, in addition to training about specific travel destinations.
- Fayetteville Technical Community College: Travel Agent Training course provides the basics needed to work in the travel and tourism industry as an agent. The course focuses on information needed for 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. It costs $1,995.
- University of North Carolina Wilmington: The travel agent online training course offered here covers the basics needed to work in travel and tourism. The self-paced course focuses on information needed for domestic and international travel destinations, and marketing and customer service training. The course can be completed any time within a six-month period. It costs $1,995.
- Wake Technical Community College: This 12-week course is taught online by an American Society of Travel Advisors instructor. This course offers the basics for serving as a travel agent in North Carolina. The subjects covered include working with clients, cruises, group travel, niche travel, and business training, in addition to courses about traveling to Mexico, Europe, and South America. The course costs $1,995.
Average Travel Agent Salary in North Carolina
The average salary for a travel agent in North Carolina is $36,904, but annual pay can range between $33,624 and $42,977, according to data from Salary.com’s website.
Salary ranges vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years worked in the profession.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $37,893 |
| Raleigh | $37,434 |
| Greensboro | $36,969 |
| Durham | $37,217 |
| Winston-Salem | $37,058 |
| Fayetteville | $35,495 |
| Cary | $37,434 |
| High Point | $37,190 |
| Wilmington | $35,283 |
| Asheville | $35,559 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 80 | $46,220 | $22.22 | $75,550 | $27,610 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 300 | $46,080 | $22.15 | $76,640 | $28,700 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 60 | $48,670 | $23.4 | $70,140 | $28,070 |
| Raleigh, NC | 230 | $51,990 | $24.99 | $80,500 | $29,090 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of licensing and business permits to become a travel agent in North Carolina?
Because there is no requirement to obtain a license in North Carolina as a travel agent, the cost of licensing and permits is limited.
There may be associated expenses if you have an interest in creating your own business to work as a travel agent, but those are more general business costs not tied to working as a travel agent.
Do I have to submit reports or other information regularly to a state or local agency as a travel agent?
There are no requirements that travel agents must submit quarterly or annual reports about their work to any government agency in North Carolina.
However, if a business is established to provide the services of a travel agent, there may be requirements to submit updated annual corporate reports, according to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.
What special training do I need to work as a travel agent in North Carolina?
You can work as a travel agent in North Carolina with no specific training required.
However, you may want to take special courses to learn about the business.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State