Vendors, travel

What does a travel salesperson do? – Tasks and working environment

A travel salesperson works with helping individuals and companies book and plan trips, both domestically and internationally. Tasks often include advising on destinations, flights, hotels, package tours, and optional services such as insurance and car rentals. Customer contact occurs via phone, email, chat, or face-to-face meetings at travel agencies, travel centers, or airports. The working environment is characterized by high pace, quick adjustments, and the need to stay updated on current offers, regulations, and trends in the travel industry. Many travel salespeople work in open-plan offices or customer-facing environments with varying hours, including evenings and weekends.

Salary development over time

The salary for travel salespeople has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month, increasing to 32 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, wages continue to rise to 34 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7% over three years. The trend indicates steady demand for qualified travel salespeople despite digitalization and changing travel behaviors. The positive salary trend can partly be explained by increased demands on customer service, product knowledge, and handling complex bookings, as well as a general recovery in the travel industry after the pandemic. Differences in salary growth between genders are small, with women on average earning slightly more than men in the profession.

Travel salesperson 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, private sector, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
• Highest salary for women: 37,100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 30,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 205 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 101% of what men do (women 34 200 SEK, men 34 000 SEK)

Education and qualifications

Travel salespeople often have a high school diploma with a focus on commerce, tourism, or administration. Many employers value experience in customer service and language skills, and there are opportunities to supplement with vocational college education or specialized courses in the travel industry. Internships and trainee programs are common pathways into the profession, and digital competence is becoming increasingly important.

• High school education: Business and administration programs or Hotel and Tourism programs (3 years)
• Vocational college: Travel consultant or similar, 1–2 years
• Courses/certifications: CRS systems (booking systems), language courses, sales courses
• Internship: Common through high school or vocational college
• Prerequisites: Good computer skills, English, and other languages are advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Travel salespeople are often offered performance-based bonuses, employee discounts on travel, wellness allowances, and sometimes opportunities for training or conference trips. Company pension schemes and insurance are typically included in employment conditions. Some employers also offer flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work for administrative tasks.

Competition and challenges

The job market for travel salespeople is competitive, especially in big cities and popular tourist regions. Digitalization and automated booking services have changed the role, requiring travel sellers to develop specialized skills in personal advising and complex bookings. Constant changes in travel regulations and customers’ increased service expectations mean that professionals need to stay updated and flexible. Despite digitalization, there remains a steady demand for qualified salespeople, especially for handling corporate clients and specialized trips. The main challenges are quickly adapting to new technological tools and meeting diverse customer needs.

Tips for aspiring travel salespeople

To succeed as a travel salesperson, it is good to have a strong service mindset and a genuine interest in people. Being communicative and attentive facilitates both customer interactions and teamwork. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changes, especially during unexpected events affecting travel, are important. Strong problem-solving skills and patience are helpful when customers need support with rebookings or delays. Staying updated on new destinations, regulations, and technical solutions provides a competitive edge. Accuracy is also crucial, as errors in bookings can have significant consequences. Finally, initiative and the ability to work independently and in teams are valued.

Key facts about Travel Salespeople

• Education level: High school or vocational college
• Work environment: Customer-facing, often office-based with high pace
• Typical work form: Full-time with varying hours
• Demand: 550 job openings in Sweden (2024)
• Special skills: Booking systems and language skills

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a travel salesperson, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, product manager, business travel salesperson, or specialist in group and corporate travel. Experienced travel salespeople often move into training roles or take responsibility for larger client accounts. The job market outlook is good according to the Swedish Public Employment Service, with continued demand for qualified salespeople in the travel industry, especially in business travel and specialized travel arrangements. Digital skills and knowledge of new booking systems are becoming increasingly important to meet future demands.

Frequently asked questions about Travel Salespeople

• What does a travel salesperson earn?
  - The average salary is 34 100 SEK/month, with variation depending on experience, education, and employer.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do (women 34 200 SEK, men 34 000 SEK).
• What education is required to become a travel salesperson?
  - High school education with a focus on commerce or tourism, and possibly vocational college or courses in booking systems.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Good, with around 550 job openings and continued demand for qualified travel salespeople.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Booking trips, advising customers, managing booking systems, and solving problems during changes.
• Are bonuses or other benefits available?
  - Yes, performance-based bonuses, employee discounts, and wellness allowances are common benefits.
• How does digitalization affect the profession?
  - Digitalization increases demands for technical skills and adaptability, but personal service remains valued.