Travel manager

What does a travel manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A travel manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and optimizing company trips and conferences. This includes negotiating agreements with hotels, airlines, and travel agencies, managing travel policies, and ensuring that travel is cost-effective and sustainable. The work also involves analyzing travel expenses, monitoring expenses, and assisting employees with bookings and resolving issues during trips. The work environment is usually office-based with digital meetings and a fast-paced rhythm, especially during periods with many trips or large events. The role requires high service skills, accuracy, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Salary development over time

The salary of a travel manager has shown clear growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,400 SEK per month, rising the following year to 41 600, which corresponds to an increase of about 25%. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized somewhat and is now 40 000 SEK per month, a decrease of approximately 4% from the previous year. The sharp increase between 2022 and 2023 can be linked to increased demand for business travel skills following pandemic restrictions, as well as employers competing more for qualified staff. The recent decrease may partly be due to a higher proportion of new hires with less experience or changes in job responsibilities. Overall, the salary level remains high and attractive for the profession.

Travel manager salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 40 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 44,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 240 SEK
• Women: 38 600 SEK/month
• Men: 44,000 SEK/month
• Women’s share of men’s salary: 88%

Education and qualifications

To work as a travel manager, a post-secondary education in tourism, economics, logistics, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers also value experience from the travel industry or work with business trips. In addition to formal education, industry-specific certifications and good language skills are highly regarded. Practical experience with travel systems and negotiating agreements is an advantage.

• Post-secondary education: Tourism, economics, logistics (2–3 years)
• Certifications: e.g., IATA, business travel management
• Internship or trainee position: Common in travel or event companies
• Language skills: English and additional languages are often advantageous
• IT skills: Experience with booking and travel accounting systems

Common benefits and compensations

Travel managers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for remote work. Business trips and participation in international conferences may be included, along with discounted travel and bonuses related to cost savings. Some employers also provide pension contributions beyond collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The job market for travel managers is competitive, especially in metropolitan areas where most larger companies and organizations have their own travel coordinators. Digitalization and automation of booking systems have changed the profession, increasing demands for technical skills and adaptability. At the same time, the pandemic has contributed to uncertainty regarding travel behaviors and corporate policies, which can cause job duties to change quickly. The ability to quickly learn new tools and stay updated on laws and restrictions is crucial for success. The industry is also influenced by global trends such as sustainable travel and cost consciousness, which require new strategies and daily work adjustments.

Tips for those who want to become a travel manager

To succeed as a travel manager, it is good to be both organized and flexible, as the workdays often involve quick adjustments and parallel projects. Good communication skills facilitate negotiations and guiding travelers, and an analytical mindset helps with cost monitoring and reporting. Showing initiative, such as proposing more efficient routines or new collaborations, is appreciated by employers. Accuracy is important when handling bookings and expenses, while service orientation and problem-solving skills ensure smooth handling of unforeseen situations. For those aiming for a career in the field, staying updated on digital tools and international trends is also advantageous.

Key facts about travel managers

• Average salary: 40 000 SEK/month
• Salary range: 36,800–44,000 SEK/month
• Education requirement: Post-secondary education (2–3 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often high pace and digital tools
• Demand: 550 available jobs within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a travel manager, professionals can advance to roles such as senior travel manager, procurement manager for travel, or overall event coordinator. There are also opportunities to develop into leadership positions within HR, administration, or international business development, especially for those with broad experience and good language skills. The employment service considers the demand for travel managers to be stable, with particularly good opportunities in larger companies and organizations with extensive travel operations. Increasing digitalization and focus on sustainability are expected to influence the profession, but the strategic role remains important. Forecasts indicate that the job market will continue to be competitive, but industry experience and technical skills will become increasingly important to stand out.

Common questions about travel managers

• What does a travel manager earn?
  - A travel manager has an average salary of 40 000 SEK per month, with a salary range from 36,800 SEK to 44,000 SEK.
• What are the gender differences in travel manager salaries?
  - Men earn an average of 44,000 SEK per month, while women earn 38 600, which means women earn approximately 88% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a travel manager?
  - Post-secondary education in tourism, economics, or logistics, often 2–3 years, as well as experience in the travel or event industry.
• What are the duties of a travel manager?
  - Planning, booking, and optimizing corporate travel, negotiating agreements, managing travel policies, and monitoring expenses.
• What is the job market like for travel managers?
  - There is strong demand with 550 available jobs within the profession, especially in larger companies and organizations.
• What benefits are common for travel managers?
  - Wellness allowances, extra vacation days, opportunities for remote work, and discounted travel are often offered.
• What is the typical work environment for travel managers?
  - Office-based with digital tools and periods of high pace.