What does a booking clerk at a travel agency do? – Tasks and work environment
A booking clerk at a travel agency primarily assists individuals and companies in booking trips, hotels, rental cars, and related services. Tasks include advising on destinations, managing booking systems, contacting suppliers, and resolving customer inquiries before, during, and after travel. The work is often conducted via phone, email, and digital booking platforms, but face-to-face meetings at the office may also occur. The work environment is generally office-based and characterized by periods of high tempo, especially during peak travel seasons and sudden schedule changes. The role requires accuracy, customer service skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Salary development over time
The salary for booking clerks at travel agencies has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month, which increased to 32 500 SEK in 2023 and reached 34 100 SEK in 2024. The total growth amounts to approximately 7.2% over the period. Salary development has been influenced by increased demand for qualified service staff as travel recovers post-pandemic, as well as the industry's need for digital skills and specialized knowledge. Changes in collective agreements and competition among employers have also contributed to rising wages, especially in metropolitan areas where demand for experienced staff is higher.
Booking clerk at a travel agency salary – comprehensive 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 < 3 years)
- Hourly wage: 205 SEK
- Women: 34 200 SEK/month (101% of men's salary)
- Men: 34 000 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Salary variations exist, especially between urban and rural areas.
Education and qualifications
To work as a booking clerk at a travel agency, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on tourism, commerce, or administration. Post-secondary education in tourism or travel services increases competitiveness, as does experience in customer service and working with digital booking systems. Practical experience in the industry is highly valued, and many employers view language skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks as advantageous.
- High school education: Tourism, commerce, or administration programs
- Post-secondary education: Travel services or tourism, 1–2 years
- Certifications: Courses in booking systems like Amadeus or Sabre
- Internships: Industry internships or trainee programs are meritorious
- Language skills: English and additional languages provide an advantage
Many booking clerks at travel agencies get the chance to travel to various destinations to familiarize themselves with the products they sell. Study trips and training travels are often arranged by suppliers and employers, providing practical knowledge and inspiration in daily work.
Common benefits and compensations
Booking clerks at travel agencies are often offered benefits such as staff discounts on travel, wellness allowances, occupational pension, subsidized lunches, and the possibility of bonus payments upon reaching sales targets. Some employers also offer flexible working hours and training trips to increase product knowledge.
Competition and challenges
The role of booking clerk at a travel agency is affected by increased digitization and competition from automated booking platforms. The demand for high service levels and the ability to handle complex travel situations means the profession remains in demand, but the number of positions can vary depending on economic conditions and travel trends. Keeping up-to-date with new systems, destinations, and regulations is necessary to maintain competitiveness. Additionally, workload can be high during certain periods, requiring resilience and flexibility. Industry seasonal variations also mean employment types and work volume can fluctuate throughout the year.
Tips for those who want to become a booking clerk at a travel agency
To succeed as a booking clerk at a travel agency, it’s beneficial to combine a genuine interest in travel with good organizational skills and a service mindset. Being communicative and attentive helps in customer contacts, while accuracy is critical for handling bookings and payments correctly. Flexibility facilitates quick changes in travel plans, and resilience is important during peak seasons. Actively seeking internships and using modern booking systems increases employability. Language skills, especially in English and additional languages, are advantageous and enhance opportunities to work with international customers.
Key facts about booking clerks at travel agencies
- Education level: High school diploma or post-secondary education in tourism
- Work environment: Office-based, often in open-plan offices
- Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes shift or seasonal work
- Demand: 550 available jobs nationally within the profession
- Special skills: Digital booking systems and customer service
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, booking clerks at travel agencies can advance to roles such as team leader, sales manager, or specialized travel seller focusing on corporate clients or unique destinations. Some choose to further educate themselves as travel producers or project managers for group trips. According to the Swedish Employment Service, demand remains stable with 550 available jobs, although digitalization influences the job market. For those developing specialized skills in business travel or technical booking systems, there are good opportunities for career development both within and outside traditional travel agencies.
Common questions about booking clerks at travel agencies
- What is the average salary of a booking clerk at a travel agency?
- The average salary is 34 100 SEK per month.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do in this profession.
- What education is required?
- A high school diploma with a focus on tourism or commerce is recommended, along with post-secondary education for increased competitiveness.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Demand is stable with 550 available jobs nationally according to the latest statistics.
- What are the most common tasks?
- Booking trips, providing advice, customer service, and managing digital booking systems.
- How much does salary vary?
- The lowest salary is 24,900 SEK/month and the highest is 39,100 SEK/month, depending on experience, education, and sector.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Service-mindedness, accuracy, stress resistance, and good communication skills are central qualities.
