Frequently Asked Questions
 

Questions About The Travel Industry

1.  What are personality traits employers in travel and tourism look for?

You must love people, places and travel to be successful.  One of the hottest trends in travel these days is home based businesses, where you can be your own boss.

2.  What qualifications do I need to succeed in the travel business?

Positive energy, a good attitude and motivation.  Prior experience in service, sales and/or marketing can help you.  Considerable travel experience, cross-cultural awareness and knowledge of a foreign language is also very helpful.  Computer skills are increasingly essential.  It'll be a definite plus if you take travel classes, like those here at 1st Class Travel & Tourism Academy, where you obtain a certificate. 

3.  Are there opportunities to "move-up" in a travel-related company?

The travel industry is well known for swiftly promoting talented individuals through its ranks.  Because of travel's projected growth, this tendency for faster-than-average advancement should, despite temporary setbacks, continue for a long time.

4.  I just want to know more about the travel business so I can travel better.  Is that ok?

Many students enroll at our academy for this reason.  At the completion of our program, you will understand the in's and out's of the travel industry.

5.  Are there any travel perks?

Travel benefits in many sectors are quite good.  Employees of travel agencies, tour companies and the like often receive 30 to 75% discounts off hotels, car rentals, cruises, tours and airline fares.  Airline employees (and immediate family members) usually receive nearly free air travel.

6.  Isn't the travel business in trouble these days?

The travel industry has bounced back from the economic and political challenges of the 9/11 tragedy.  Additionally, while one sector of the business may become weak, another may grow strong.  Some of the major airlines are struggling, but newer, smaller ones are doing very well. 

7.  I've heard that the internet is replacing many jobs in travel and tourism.  Is that true?

This is very unlikely because travel is such a service-oriented field.  Even travel agents who were supposed to be pushed aside by automation are, in fact, still in demand.  Some sectors of the industry may have temporary hiring down-cycles but, overall, every study forecasts significant growth in travel jobs over the next few decades.

8.  I already work in the travel industry.  Can you classes benefit me?

Yes.  Many of our students are already in the travel industry but never had formal training or would like to change positions within travel and tourism. 

9.  Can I make a good salary?

The travel industry pays somewhat less than others.  This is usually attributed to the fact that employees generally pay less for their own vacation travel - such perks and the attractiveness of travel careers are perceived as offsetting lower salaries.  But compensation for upper-level executives, tour conductors, corporate travel managers and others is usually excellent.

Travel also offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

10.  Is it really necessary to go to a travel school to get a job?

Employers don't have the time to do onsite training and prefer you to have a good overview of the travel and tourism industry - the kind that 1st Class Travel & Tourism Academy provides - then you'll be better prepared for the unique needs of the job.       

11.  Am I too old for this business? 

Because of the difficulty in finding good people, travel organizations and companies carefully consider all candidates for employment.  Many of our students are retirees looking to work part time in the travel business. 

12.  Do travel jobs require licenses?

 In some cities tour guides may need a license.  Travel Agents and Tour Operators do NOT need a license.

13.  Is it possible to work out of my home?

Many travel agents, meeting planners, and  small tour operators are now home-based.  In fact, working from home is the latest trend in the travel business today.  See Home-Based  

Questions About 1st Class Travel & Tourism Industry

1. Has the school been "approved," "registered" or "licensed" by the State Post-secondary Education Bureau or a recognized accreditation association?

The Travel and Tourism Academy has been granted a license to operate a PRIVATE LICENSED SCHOOL by the COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.  We have also been approved by the INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED TRAVEL AGENTS (ICTA) as a national TAP test site.

2.  Who teaches on the faculty?  What type of travel industry experience do the instructors have?  Are instructors familiar with cruising?

All of our faculty have had many years of experience working and teaching in the travel industry.

3.  What is the curriculum?  The travel industry is complex, does this school offer courses in all aspects of travel including cruise lines?

Because the travel industry is an ever-changing industry we have developed a curriculum that is exclusive to the travel and tourism academy.  We teach ALL aspects of the travel industry.  Our travel training curriculum is completely hands-on.

4.  Is there hands-on computer training with airline reservations systems?

Our hands-on training consists of at least 25 hours on SABRE, the most popular airline computer reservation system available.  Each student works at their own pace under the supervision of one of our SABRE specialists.  No prior computer or typing experience is required.

5.  How long has the school been in operation?

The Travel and Tourism Academy has been operating for over a decade.

6.  What type of placement assistance is available through the school?

Our placement services include the following:  Resume techniques; Interviewing tips; One on one counseling on "opening a travel agency" (optional) and lifetime placement services.

7.  What type of facilities, equipment and materials are available?  Are they current?

We invite all potential students to visit our campus and see for themselves what we offer.  Because we limit each class to 8 students, we are able to personalize our teaching methods so every student graduates with a full knowledge of the travel industry.  Our books and materials are constantly updated to reflect the changes in the travel industry.  We also have a full line of reference materials and videos for students use.