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 work for 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 not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline significantly over the next few years, which will 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.
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
$16.50
Minimum$19.45
Median$27.64
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,179
Minimum$29,087
Median$49,455
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
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 work for travel agencies, transportation and tourism firms, and hotel chains.
Job duties
Travel counsellors:
- 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 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
- 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
- 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 effect 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
$34,359 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$11,227 median annual incomeSouthern
$12,899 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$27,842 median annual incomeCape Breton
$21,662 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Public administration
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$34,179 median annual incomeBachelor
$18,239 median annual incomeHigh school
$17,912 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,291 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Tourism and Travel Services Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage travel-related enterprises and related convention and/or tour services. They 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.
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile