Types of Travel Agents

A travel agent mainly operates as a middleman between travelers and travel service providers. Working on behalf of travelers or travel companies, travel agents often sell tickets and travel products, make reservations for accommodations. Contrary to what some people usually think, travel agents make their money through commissions deducted from the overall sales that they make to the service providers. Nevertheless, the following are the main types of travel agents that you should know. 

General Sales Agents 

These travel agents work like tourism ambassadors, promoting the services of foreign travel companies. Such travel agents are scattered across various destinations in the world but, they only promote travels to or within a particular destination that also serves as the headquarters for their organizations. Their only duty is to help travelers to get better deals for visiting that particular destination. Hence, they are not indebted to any airline or resort. 

Business/ Leisure Travel Agents 

Many travel organizations today have a designated/ leisure business travel department. These agents are specifically focused on finding better deals for those who travel for business reasons and leisure. That kind of specialization enables them to source travel deals based on the specific needs of travelers, which is more convenient. 

Online Travel Agents 

The internet has played a major role in shaping up key procedures in the travel industry. Online travel agents enable travelers to get amazing deals by comparing various flights and hotel options. The agents have websites with information about the airfares and accommodation rates by different airlines and hotels. Putting all that information on a single platform gives travelers an easier time to find the best travel deals at their convenience. 

Multi-Destination Travel Agents 

As the name suggests, these travel agents have a wider reach and can help you find better deals for visiting any part of the world. 

Whether you are planning to travel locally or internationally, it is always advisable to seek the help of a professional travel agent. However, you should first find out the particular travel services that the agent offers to determine the right entity to work with.