Travel Counsellors
(NOC 6521)
in All Sales and ServiceTravel counsellors advise clients on travel options and tour packages, make bookings and reservations, prepare tickets, and receive payment. They are employed in travel agencies, transportation and tourism firms, and hotel chains.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 550. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Travel Counsellors most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 45% of Travel Counsellors who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $37,116. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.25
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,179
Minimum$29,087
Median$49,455
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Travel counsellors advise clients on travel options and tour packages, make bookings and reservations, prepare tickets, and receive payment. They are employed in travel agencies, transportation and tourism firms, and hotel chains.
Job duties
Travel counsellors perform some or all of the following duties:
- Provide travel information to clients regarding destinations, transportation and accommodation options and travel costs, and recommend suitable products.
- Plan and organize vacation travel for individuals or groups.
- Make transportation and accommodation reservations using computerized reservation and ticketing system.
- Sell single fare tickets and package tours to clients.
- Promote particular destinations, tour packages and other travel services.
- Investigate new travel destinations, hotels and other facilities and attractions.
- Provide travel tips regarding tourist attractions, foreign currency, customs, languages and travel safety.
Sample job titles
- booking agent - travel agency
- reservation agent - travel agency
- reservation sales agent - travel agency
- tourist information counsellor
- travel agent
- travel centre counsellor
- travel consultant
- travel counsellor
- travel specialist
- visitor information counsellor
Skills
For this type of work, you should be poised, organized, tactful, and patient. Interpersonal skills and the ability to deal comfortably with strangers are important. You should be resourceful and able to handle the unexpected. Knowledge of the travel business will be required. Good communication skills are also necessary. Knowledge of both official languages and an additional language may be required for some positions.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- A college diploma or vocational training in travel or tourism is usually required.
- Certification with the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC) may be required. This certification is granted after completion of a 60 credit requirement obtained through any combination of work experience, training and education, and successful completion of the advanced exam.
Other considerations
General economic conditions will have an impact on the level of business and pleasure travel undertaken by Nova Scotians. Therefore, employment levels may vary from year to year. Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Northern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Management, Admin & Other Support
Public Administration
Oil and Gas Extraction
Construction
Other Professional Services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$28,110 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$26,280 median annual incomeHigh school
$22,327 median annual incomeLess than high school
$18,781 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$27,558 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Tourism and travel services management
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to manage travel-related enterprises and related convention and/or tour services. These programs include courses in travel agency management, tour arranging and planning, convention and event planning, travel industry operations and procedures, tourism marketing and promotion strategies, travel counselling, travel industry law, international and domestic operations, and travel and tourism policy.
Institutions providing this program
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.