How To Become A Travel Agent In South Africa & Subjects Needed

Are you looking for a way to become a Travel Agent in South Africa and you don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become a Travel Agent in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.

What Does A Travel Agent Do?

Travel agents or travel consultants assess individual’s and business people’s needs to help them make the best possible travel arrangements, which includes booking flights, hotel rooms and car rentals. They may specialise by type of travel, such as leisure or business, or destination, such as Europe or Africa.

They also promote travel packages on behalf of cruise lines, resorts and specialty travel groups. Some travel consultants have extensive knowledge about various countries geography, weather, history, language and customs. They also advise clients about passports, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations and tours.

A travel consultant may perform the following tasks:

• Helping clients to find a suitable package holiday or to plan independent travel
• Checking the availability of the chosen holiday by telephone or computer
• Making bookings using a computer system
• Collecting payments and filling in booking forms
• Contacting clients when their tickets arrive
• Informing clients of any changes, such as cancelled flights, and arranging alternatives
• Networking with tour operators
• Displaying promotional material.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

There is no formal qualification required to become a travel consultant, though employers generally prefer hiring staff with a Travel and Tourism Diploma or a related qualification. Some travel consultants start by working at a travel agency and receive on-the-job training, and are sometimes required to write an exam at the end of their first year of employment and training.

Opportunities for on-the-job training are fairly limited, with most companies employing people with some training and experience. A National Senior Certificate is usually a prerequisite for studying travel and tourism courses.

It is important to receive training at a THETA-accredited institution and be licensed by the Travel Agents Board. Travel consultants also need certification from the International Air Transport Association to be able to issue international airline tickets.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

• Civil Technology
• Mechanical Technology
• Mathematics

Where Can I Study?

False Bay TVET College

• National Certificate: Tourism N4-N6
• National Certificate (Vocational): Tourism

Alt. Academy

• General Travel
• www.altacademy.com

Oxbridge Academy

• National Certificate: N4 – N6 Tourism
• www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za

University of Johannesburg

• National Diploma: Tourism Management
• www.uj.ac.za

Durban University of Technology

• National Diploma: Tourism Management
• www.dut.ac.za

Tshwane University of Technology

• National Diploma: Tourism Management
• www.tut.ac.za

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

• National Diploma: Tourism Management
• www.cput.ac.za

UNISA

• Advanced Programme: Tourism, Travel and Hospitality
• www.unisa.ac.za

University of the Western Cape

• Bachelor of Arts: Tourism
• www.uwc.ac.za

North-West University

• Bachelor of Commerce: Tourism Management
• www.nwu.ac.za

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

• Bachelor of Technology: Tourism Management
• www.nmmu.ac.za

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