What does a booking secretary at a travel agency do? – Tasks and work environment
A booking secretary at a travel agency primarily manages customer travel bookings, provides advice on destinations and transportation options, and handles payments and documentation. The role involves close contact with both private individuals and corporate clients, often via phone, email, and digital booking systems. The work is typically performed in an office environment with a fast pace and high demands for accuracy, as it is crucial that all booking details are correct and customer requests are fulfilled quickly. Collaboration with colleagues and external suppliers such as airlines and hotels is a natural part of the daily work.
Salary development over time
The salary for booking secretaries at travel agencies has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month, which increased to 32 500 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 34 100 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7.2% over three years. This positive salary development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified booking secretaries as the travel industry recovers from the pandemic. Additionally, technical skills and the ability to work in digital systems have become more important, possibly contributing to higher salary levels within the profession. Despite regional differences, the overall trend indicates continued salary growth, especially for those with post-secondary education and experience.
Booking secretary, travel agency salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
- Hourly wage (average): 205 SEK/hour
- Women: 34 200 SEK/month (101% of men's salary)
- Men: 34 000 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Data varies, but metropolitan areas tend to offer slightly higher salaries.
Education and qualifications
To work as a booking secretary at a travel agency, a high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on administration, commerce, or tourism. Many employers view post-secondary courses in travel service or tourism positively, especially if combined with internships. Digital competence and experience with booking systems are important merits, and some employers offer internal training for new systems. Flexibility and good language skills are also sought-after qualities.
- High school education: Business and administration programs or hotel and tourism programs (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: Short vocational courses or programs in tourism/travel (up to 2 years)
- Certifications: Courses in booking systems and customer service
- Internships: Meritorious, especially within the travel industry or customer service
- Language skills: English and additional languages are a plus
Many booking secretaries quickly develop broad geographic knowledge and learn to handle unexpected situations, such as sudden flight cancellations or changed customer plans. The role trains problem-solving skills and provides insights into travel trends and customer behaviors – experiences highly valued even in other service professions.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for booking secretaries at travel agencies include wellness allowances, subsidized travel, discounts on personal vacations, and opportunities for internal and external training. Many employers also offer flexible working hours and bonus schemes linked to sales targets, which can positively impact total compensation.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as booking secretaries at travel agencies varies depending on region and economic conditions. As digitization and self-service solutions become more common, higher technical competence and adaptability are required. Workload can be uneven, with peaks during peak seasons and major events. The ability to handle stress and solve problems quickly is often crucial for success and job satisfaction. Despite these challenges, there are good employment opportunities, as current data indicate about 550 available jobs in the field.
Tips for those wanting to become a booking secretary at a travel agency
To succeed as a booking secretary in a travel agency, it is beneficial to be service-minded and solution-oriented, as customer contact and problem-solving are central parts of the job. Developing strong language skills, especially in English and possibly additional languages, increases chances of employment and provides greater confidence when meeting international clients. Flexibility and the ability to work structured under pressure are important qualities, especially during busy periods or rapid changes. For those curious and willing to learn new booking systems and digital tools, there are great opportunities to quickly become attractive on the job market. It is also advantageous to collaborate well with colleagues and external partners, as tasks often require teamwork. Showing engagement and interest in travel and customer service is positively perceived by employers and can open doors for further development within the travel industry.
Key facts about booking secretaries at travel agencies
- Salary range: 24,900–39,100 SEK/month
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Education level: High school education, preferably with a tourism focus
- Work environment: Office-based, often digital and customer-intensive
- Demand: About 550 available jobs in the field
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a booking secretary at a travel agency, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, travel sales specialist, or administrative manager within the travel industry. With experience and further education, roles in product development, business travel, or larger tour operators may also become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook is stable, especially for those skilled in digital systems and with good language skills. However, the industry is influenced by economic cycles and global events, which can cause variations in demand over the long term. For those who are flexible and willing to further their education, there are good opportunities for continued career development within the travel sector.
Frequently asked questions about booking secretaries at travel agencies
- What does a booking secretary at a travel agency earn?
- The average salary is 34 100 SEK per month, but it can vary between 24,900 and 39,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
- Are there differences in salary between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do, with an average salary of 34 200 SEK compared to men's 34 000 SEK.
- What education is required to become a booking secretary at a travel agency?
- High school education in commerce, administration, or tourism is recommended. Post-secondary courses and language skills are advantageous.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The outlook is good with approximately 550 available jobs in the field right now, especially for those who are digitally skilled and multilingual.
- What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is mostly office-based with a high pace and a lot of customer contact via digital channels.
- What are the most common benefits?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, travel discounts, training opportunities, and sometimes flexible working hours.
- Are there opportunities for advancement in the profession?
- Yes, after a few years, one can progress to roles such as team leader, specialist in business travel, or other administrative roles within the travel industry.
