The Art of Becoming an Independent Travel Consultant
About This Course
Many successful and experienced travel consultants who have worked in the travel industry for years dream of starting their own travel business but are held back by fear. They have the travel expertise and can “sell travel” in their sleep, but running their own business and taking the financial risk is daunting. I speak from experience, as I spent many years in my comfort zone working in retail travel before I took the leap of faith in my ability.
I have created this training program to help others who want to step out independently but need guidance.
Running your own business means having complete control and responsibility over every aspect. If you have been working in sales at a retail or corporate travel company, you may not have been exposed to managing all its functions.
This course provides a shortcut to success by removing obstacles to being a new business owner.
I have combined my learning over the past six years as an ITC (Independent Travel Consultant) with fifteen years of successfully managing a travel agency and other management experience in the retail sector, including senior-level operations.
Disclaimer: I do not recommend starting your own travel consultancy business without having at least three to five years of experience working in a travel environment. I can help you run your travel business, but you must already be an experienced travel consultant.
What you can expect to learn in this course:
- This course will explain how a travel agency works fundamentally.
- This training will give you practical tools to help you run your ITC business.
- If you are already an ITC, this course will help you streamline your workflow to be more efficient.
- If you want to grow your business, this course will help you create standard operating procedures.
Who is this course for?
- New Travel agents who are planning on becoming an ITC one day and want a better understanding of what it takes.
- Travel agents who are currently employed and feel ready to start their own business but don't know how.
- New ITCs who may be feeling overwhelmed and need guidance.
- Established ITCs wanting to grow their business by employing consultants.
Why choose this course?
- Unbiased Content: The course is not biased towards any specific consortium, travel organisation or product.
- Hands-On Approach: Short assessments or questionnaires ensure you understand the course content and help you make critical planning decisions.
- Multimedia: Engaging videos and valuable downloads help you along the learning path.
- Confidence: Once you have completed the course successfully, you will receive an Escape Artist Travel Academy Certificate to prove you are ready to take that leap of faith.
Full Payment
R4250,00
Course Outline
This section does not have any lessons.
Module 1: Becoming an Independent Travel Consultant
What Is an ITC?
ITC Business Solutions (Host Agencies/Travel Partners)
Important Considerations When Choosing a Host Agency/Travel Partner
Assessment To Help You Choose an ITC Solution That Suits Your Needs
Module 2: Preparing To Become an ITC
Introduction to Preparing To Become an ITC
Start-Up Capital & Budget
Hardware
Software
Internet Connection & Telecommunications
GDS & Airline Distribution
Registering Your Business (Sole Proprietor vs Private Company)
Banking
POPI
Cyber-Security
Module 3: Branding
Introduction to Branding
The Importance of Your Brand & Branding
The Branding Questionnaire
How to Create Your Brand
Module 4: How to Effectively Implement Processes and Procedures
Introduction to Effectively Implement Processes And Procedures
The Importance of Processes and Procedures
The Travel Agent Workflow Procedures (Receiving Enquiry To Closing File)
Other Important Standard Operating Procedures
Module 5: How to Manage Your Business Effectively
Introduction to Managing Your Business Effectively
Managing Your Nett Sales Income
Managing Expenses
Time Management
Module 6: How to Market Your Travel Business
Introduction to Marketing Your Travel Business
Marketing as an ITC
Travel Website
Social Media
Newsletter Marketing
Module 7: Risk Management
Introduction to Risk Management
How to Recognise, Assess, and Mitigate Risk
Financial Non-negotiables
Vetting Suppliers (Travel Suppliers)
Importance of Networking
Continual Training
Creating Boundaries
Record Keeping
Terms & Conditions
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Assessment of Risk Management
Module 8: Business Principles
Introduction to Business Principles
Principle of Innovation
Principle for Decisiveness
The Principle of Integrity
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