Business travel consultant

What does a business travel consultant do? – Tasks and work environment

A business travel consultant plans, books, and coordinates business trips for companies and their employees. The tasks include arranging flights, hotels, and rental cars, as well as handling visas, travel insurance, and special requests that may arise during business trips. The consultant often acts as an advisor and problem solver, responsible for ensuring that trips are as cost-effective and smooth as possible. The work is mostly office-based, often in open-plan environments or at larger travel agencies, requiring high service orientation, accuracy, and the ability to handle stressful situations and quick changes.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a business travel consultant has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK, which rose to 32 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 34 100 SEK, reflecting a salary increase of approximately 7.2% over the period. This development mirrors an increased demand for qualified travel consultants, especially as corporate travel recovers after the pandemic and booking systems become more advanced. Employers have also raised requirements for digital skills and personal service, contributing to positive salary growth. Women have also experienced slightly better salary development than men, as seen in recent statistics.

Business travel consultant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month (male), 30,800 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month (male), 37,100 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 205 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (men: 34 000 SEK, women: 34 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a business travel consultant, a high school education in tourism, commerce, or administration is generally required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses in the travel industry. Many employers value experience from service professions or previous work within the travel sector. Digital competence and language skills are meritorious, as well as familiarity with booking systems and customer management.

• Formal education: High school education in tourism, commerce, or administration (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Examples include travel consultant training (6–12 months)
• Certifications: Courses in booking systems (Amadeus, Galileo, etc.)
• Internship: Common part of training, often at travel agencies or corporate service providers
• Language skills: English required; additional languages are advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Business travel consultants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized travel, staff discounts on hotels and flights, as well as the possibility of flexible hours or remote work. Some employers also include occupational pensions, extra vacation days, and training support as part of the employment package.

Competition and challenges

The competition for roles as a business travel consultant is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas where many companies have extensive travel. Digitalization has streamlined booking processes and increased demands for technical skills, meaning consultants need to stay updated on new systems and working methods. The industry is also sensitive to economic and global changes, which can affect demand and workload. Customers' increased expectations for quick service and personalized solutions place high demands on flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Tips for those who want to become a business travel consultant

To succeed as a business travel consultant, it is good to be service-oriented and have a genuine interest in travel and people. Developing strong communication skills makes it easier to handle customer interactions and quickly understand their needs. Accuracy and organizational skills are crucial for booking trips efficiently and avoiding mistakes. It is also important to enjoy working at a fast pace, as workdays can be intensive and unpredictable situations often occur. Good technical understanding facilitates the use of various booking systems and digital tools. Showing flexibility and being solution-oriented help to handle changes professionally. Finally, curiosity and a desire to stay updated on news in the travel industry and corporate travel are advantageous.

Key facts about business travel consultants

• Education level: High school education, often with post-secondary courses
• Work environment: Office-based, often in open environments
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes shift or on-call
• Demand: 550 job openings in the profession according to latest data
• Special skills: Booking systems and language skills

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a business travel consultant, opportunities exist to advance to team leader, specialist in corporate travel management, or further into roles within sales and customer responsibility. Some choose to specialize in large corporate clients or international accounts, while others move into training roles or consultancy within the travel industry. According to the Employment Service, demand remains stable and there are good job prospects, especially for those with broad system skills and language abilities. However, the industry's future is influenced by developments in digitalization and global travel, making flexibility and continuous skill development important for long-term career growth.

Frequently asked questions about business travel consultants

• What does a business travel consultant earn?
  - The average salary is 34 100 SEK/month, but it can vary depending on experience, employer, and region.
• What are the gender differences in salaries?
  - Women earn on average 34 200 SEK, which is 101% of men's salary (34 000 SEK).
• What education is required to become a business travel consultant?
  - High school education in tourism, commerce, or administration, preferably supplemented with post-secondary courses and certifications.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, it is possible to advance to leadership roles or specialize within business travel and customer relations.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is stable with 550 job openings in the profession according to recent statistics.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a business travel consultant?
  - The highest salary is 39,100 SEK (male), 37,100 SEK (female); the lowest salary is 24,900 SEK (male), 30,800 SEK (female).
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Customer service orientation, accuracy, flexibility, and good communication skills are key to success in the profession.