Business travel salesman

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

A business travel salesperson works with planning, booking, and managing corporate clients' travel arrangements, both domestically and internationally. Tasks include analyzing client needs, proposing cost-effective travel solutions, handling bookings for flights, trains, hotels, and rental cars, and providing service for rebookings or delays. Business travel salespeople often contact both clients and suppliers and work primarily in offices or digital environments, sometimes in open-plan offices or remotely. The role requires good multitasking skills, precision, and the ability to handle stressful periods with rapid changes.

Salary development over time

The salary for business travel salespeople has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month, increasing to 32 500 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 34 100 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 7.2% over three years. The salary development has been influenced by increased demand for qualified travel salespeople, especially as business travel recovers post-pandemic and companies demand higher expertise in travel logistics and cost optimization. Factors such as digitalization and language skills have also made employers value experience and education more than before.

Business travel salesperson salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (male/female): 24,900 SEK / 30,800 SEK
• Highest salary (male/female): 39,100 SEK / 37,100 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 205 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (men 34 000 SEK, women 34 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Larger cities and business centers generally offer slightly higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a business travel salesperson, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on tourism, commerce, or economics. Many employers also seek post-secondary education in the travel industry or experience in sales and customer service. Practical experience and digital skills are often advantageous, and some employers prefer candidates with certifications in booking systems or languages.

• High school diploma: Tourism, commerce, or economics (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH training in the travel industry (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in booking systems (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre)
• Internships: Trainee positions or internships during studies
• Language skills: English and preferably additional languages
• IT skills: Familiarity with digital tools and systems

Common benefits and compensation

Business travel salespeople often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, employee discounts on travel, bonus programs, and the possibility of remote work. It is also common for employers to offer pension contributions and health insurance as part of the employment package.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a business travel salesperson is relatively high, especially in larger cities where many seek the most attractive employers in the industry. Digitalization has transformed the role, requiring continuous skills development and adaptation to new booking systems and digital tools. Another challenge is the ability to quickly handle unexpected events such as canceled flights or global crises, which demands flexibility and a solutions-oriented approach. Additionally, demand for business travel fluctuates over time, affecting workload and work environment.

Tips for aspiring business travel salespeople

To succeed in this role, it is helpful to be service-minded and genuinely interested in helping others. Good organizational skills facilitate managing many bookings and details simultaneously, and resilience to stress is important for acting quickly during changes. Being communicative, both verbally and in writing, is also advantageous since customer contact is frequent. Demonstrating curiosity and willingness to learn new systems and methods makes it easier to adapt to industry developments. An open attitude towards teamwork and collaboration with colleagues simplifies daily tasks, and being solution-oriented is crucial when unexpected situations arise.

Key facts about business travel salespeople

• Education level: High school diploma with focus on tourism, commerce, or economics
• Work environment: Office-based or hybrid, often fast-paced
• Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes shift work
• Demand: 550 job openings in the profession according to the latest survey
• Special skills: Booking systems and language skills

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a business travel salesperson, opportunities exist to advance to senior roles, team leader, or specialist within business travel. Some choose to further their education and move into sales management, travel agency development, or consultancy for larger companies. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates a continued stable labor market for business travel salespeople, especially those with good language skills and experience with digital booking systems. Digitalization and globalization mean that technical and customer relationship skills are becoming increasingly important to meet companies' rising demands for efficient and sustainable business travel.

Common questions about business travel salespeople

• What does a business travel salesperson earn?
  - The average salary for a business travel salesperson is 34 100 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 101% of men's salaries (34 200 SEK compared to 34 000 SEK).
• What education is required to become a business travel salesperson?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on tourism, commerce, or economics is recommended, along with preferably post-secondary education and certifications.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The profession is office-based or hybrid, often in a fast-paced environment with lots of customer contact.
• What are the future prospects for business travel salespeople?
  - The outlook is stable with approximately 550 job openings according to the latest survey.
• What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 39,100 SEK (male, public sector), the lowest is 24,900 SEK (male, government sector).
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Customer service orientation, stress resilience, flexibility, and good communication skills are especially valuable.