What does a travel sales agent at a travel agency do – job tasks and work environment
A travel sales agent at a travel agency works to assist individuals and companies in booking trips, hotels, and additional services such as car rentals or activities. The tasks revolve around advising, sales, administration, and problem-solving in case of rebookings or cancellations. Many travel sales agents work in an office environment with a computer and phone as primary tools, but digital platforms and customer contacts via email or chat have become increasingly common. The work pace can be high, especially during seasonal periods and during unexpected events affecting travel globally. Customer relations and service are central parts of the profession, while knowledge of various destinations and current offers is required to best meet customer needs.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for travel sales agents at travel agencies has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the salary increased to 32 500 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 2.2%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary rose further to 34 100 SEK, an increase of approximately 4.9%. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified travel sales agents, especially as travel has recovered after the pandemic. At the same time, digitalization and changing job tasks have led to higher skill requirements, which may also have contributed to rising salaries. The profession has thus become more attractive, reflected in the salary development.
Travel sales agents, travel agency salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary for men: 24,900 SEK
- Lowest salary for women: 30,800 SEK
- Highest salary for men: 39,100 SEK
- Highest salary for women: 37,100 SEK
- Hourly wage (average): 205 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do
- Regional differences: Data varies, but larger cities tend to offer somewhat higher salaries
Education and qualifications
To work as a travel sales agent at a travel agency, a high school diploma is usually required, often with a focus on tourism, commerce, or administration. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed post-secondary education within the travel and tourism industry, although this is not always a formal requirement. Practical experience in customer service, sales, and digital booking systems is highly advantageous. The educational path can also be supplemented with industry-specific courses and certifications.
- High school diploma: Tourism, commerce, or economics programs (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: YH programs or KY training in tourism (1–2 years)
- Internship or traineeship: Common during the education period
- Certifications: Courses in booking systems and customer service are advantageous
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of English and Swedish, and some computer skills
- Tips for choosing: Work experience from the service industry is an advantage
Technical curiosity and digital competence are becoming increasingly important for travel sales agents as bookings and customer interactions move to digital platforms. The ability to quickly grasp new systems and tools makes a big difference in daily work.
Common benefits and compensation
Travel sales agents at travel agencies are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, employee discounts on travel, and sometimes commissions or bonuses linked to sales. Other common benefits include occupational pensions, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skill development through internal or external training.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is significant, as many are drawn to the industry due to an interest in travel and customer contact. Digitalization and automation of booking processes mean that traditional tasks are changing and require adaptability. Customers expect quick and personalized service even through digital channels, which demands high levels of both technical and social skills. Seasonal variations and economic fluctuations can lead to variations in workload and job security, especially during global events affecting the travel industry.
Tips for those who want to become a travel sales agent at a travel agency
To succeed as a travel sales agent, it is good to combine a service mindset with a structured work approach and strong communication skills. Being attentive and genuinely interested in customer needs increases the chances of offering the right solutions and creating repeat business. Flexibility and resilience are crucial, especially during busy periods or when unforeseen problems arise. Digital competence and curiosity about new systems make it easier to handle technological shifts in the industry. Being solution-oriented and having a good numerical sense facilitates sales work and booking system management. Language skills, especially in English, open up more customer groups and can be a clear competitive advantage.
Key facts about travel sales agents at travel agencies
- Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with post-secondary education
- Work environment: Office-based with digital tools
- Work form: Full-time most common, but part-time and hourly employment also occur
- Demand: 550 job openings reported in the profession
- Special skills: Booking systems and customer service
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, branch manager, or specialist in corporate travel and business clients. Some choose to further their education in tourism or sales to become product managers or work within the travel organizer sector. Projections from the Employment Service show stable demand, especially for those combining industry knowledge with digital skills and language abilities. The increasing complexity of travel offers creates room for advisory and specialized roles, although competition is high and the job market is influenced by external factors.
Common questions about travel sales agents at travel agencies
- What does a travel sales agent at a travel agency earn?
- A travel sales agent has an average salary of 34 100 SEK per month.
- What is the highest salary for a travel sales agent at a travel agency?
- The highest salary is 39,100 SEK and belongs to a man in the public sector with post-secondary education shorter than 3 years.
- What is the lowest salary for a travel sales agent at a travel agency?
- The lowest salary is 24,900 SEK and applies to a man in the state sector with pre-secondary education.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do in the profession.
- What education is required to become a travel sales agent at a travel agency?
- High school education with a focus on tourism or commerce is most common, often supplemented with post-secondary training.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Demand is stable with 550 job openings reported in the profession according to the latest data.
- What benefits can a travel sales agent at a travel agency receive?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, employee discounts on travel, and sometimes commission-based bonuses.
