Has the travel rebound reignited your passion for travel? With the travel industry taking off again, there’s a growing need for skilled professionals like you to get on board with numerous job roles up for grabs. But don’t just take it from us – hear firsthand from those in the biz about the opportunities in travel right now.
While there’s no denying the pandemic was hugely disruptive to many industries – ahem, the travel and tourism sector – there were some upsides to being grounded.
The industry was forced to reflect, adapt and update to cater for a new travel landscape and changing customer preferences.
Rejoining the travel industry now means you can be a part of this exciting new phase of growth and innovation.
And newcomers can benefit from the pent-up demand for travel with dedicated training and on-the-job experience right away.
So, you want to be a travel advisor?
Helloworld Travel established its Helloworld Training Academy in April 2022 to get newcomers on board and upskill current agents to take their experience to new heights.
It offers certified training to achieve formal qualifications together with real-world learning and experience to fast-track your career via Certificate III in Travel.
Travel advisors, managers and owners throughout the retail network can also benefit from ongoing professional and personal development provided through the Academy, such as Certificate IV in Leadership & Management.
National Training Manager Kelley Matson said Helloworld Training Academy was established to attract new talent and fast-track their learning.
“There is a huge pent-up demand for travel however there is a shortage of talent within the industry as experienced travel advisors left during the pandemic,” she says.
“I am optimistic that attracting new talent and having experienced consultants return will see our beloved industry thrive again.”
What’s it really like on the frontline of travel retail right now?
With borders reopened across the globe, travel is in high demand, people are happy and excited to travel again and agencies are buzzing and busy.
That said, staff shortages and a lack of skilled travel professionals to meet customer demand and post-pandemic industry growth are challenging but 12 months on, the rush is stabilising.
Helloworld Travel Ascot Vale Owner Kathie Jones says the travel industry now operates with a different model – by appointment only – for a consistent flow.
“Travel credits are in the past; the pandemic is over and travel is exciting again. We value our value, as do our clients,” she says.
“The pandemic educated the ‘I-can-book-it-myself’ traveller and now we have seen new business entering agencies to seek our expertise and guidance. Clients want travel professionals to book their travel for them.”
Travel Consultant Rebecca Shady agrees: “Appointment-based consulting means agents have never been in higher demand or more appreciated than now.”
“Clients want our help and are prepared to pay for it – we are hardly ever queried about service fees.
“Every day is different. Bookings are bigger and people are exploring the world more in-depth than ever before, living their best lives.”
Why do we love the travel industry?
For our Helloworld team, it’s all about the people. It’s the connection forged by bringing those with a passion for travel together that makes the industry unique in the retail environment.
“I stayed in travel to help business owners and our clients through this very hard time. I had so much empathy for them and just wanted to help however I could,” Rebecca says.
“Like many others, I had to leave the industry during COVID and look for work elsewhere,” Kelley says.
“When I was working in the education sector, I really missed the people. I realised how lucky we are to work in such a fun, unique and dynamic business. I missed the love and passion we all have in this amazing industry.”
Kathie loves creating inspiring itineraries to amazing locations around the globe and travelling to those places herself.
“Working in travel means ‘never the same’ – I joined the industry to travel and I do,” she says.
“I have had the opportunity to experience some of these beautiful destinations firsthand through working in the travel industry.”
Ready to say “Hello World”? Chat to Helloworld Travel about starting your career journey at careers.helloworldlimited.com.au
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