It includes a variety of specialized career opportunities with travel agencies, airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines, tour operators, local attractions, motor coach companies and many others. Travel agencies employ a number of people in a variety of jobs, ranging from entry-level clerical support to highly trained and specialized travel consultants. The average traveler is faced with a multitude of alternatives for transportation, accommodations and other travel services and relies upon the professional travel agent for honest and accurate guidance. Travel agents have always provided service and they must continue to offer that service. When it comes to planning a honeymoon, an anniversary, vacation or business trip, most people are reluctant to put down large sums of money if they know little about the destination, hotels, customs and amenities as well as they are very reluctant to pay for a service over the Internet.
Travel agents are familiar with various destinations and products.
They help clients decide which destination is best for them, considering their wants and needs and still give the best value for the dollar. Travelers don t want to risk thousands of dollars and a possible bad experience through lack of knowledge and information. For many people, travel can be and is the experience of a lifetime. Travel is the second largest business in America, but according to the US of Commerce Department, in the year 2000, travel and tourism became the number one industry in the country. Tourism generates jobs, more than any other industry except health and business services.