Overview
Travel counsellors advise clients on travel options and tour packages, make bookings and reservations, prepare tickets and receive payment. They are employed in travel agencies, transportation and tourism firms and hotel chains.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Provide travel information to clients regarding destinations, transportation and accommodation options and travel costs, and recommend suitable products
Plan and organize vacation travel for individuals or groups
Make transportation and accommodation reservations using computerized reservation and ticketing system
Sell single fare tickets and package tours to clients
Promote particular destinations, tour packages and other travel services
Investigate new travel destinations, hotels and other facilities and attractions
Provide travel tips regarding tourist attractions, foreign currency, customs, languages and travel safety.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$37,541
$47,322
$60,378
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
1,145expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
A college diploma or vocational training in travel or tourism is usually required.
Certification with the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) may be required.
Additional information
Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Travel counsellors in B.C.
- Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) Certification
- Tourism training and certification from emerit - Travel Counsellors
Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a travel counsellor in B.C., you may choose to pursue certification and/or membership with the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). Contact or visit the association's webpage to view the various membership levels or to enroll in certification examinations.
Tourism training and certification from emerit - Travel Counsellors
To work as a tourism professional in B.C., you may choose to receive tourism training from emerit created by Tourism HR Canada.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.