Travel Agent Programs in Long Beach, California
Becoming a Travel Agent in Long Beach, California
Why Become a Travel Agent in Long Beach
Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its bustling port, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultural attractions. With landmarks like the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Long Beach Museum of Art, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences for both residents and visitors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for travel agents in California is competitive, and the job outlook is promising with projected growth in the coming years.
Travel Agent Training Programs in Long Beach, California
If you’re considering a career as a travel agent in Long Beach, there are several local programs and courses available to help you get started:
- Long Beach City College (LBCC)
- Location: East Long Beach
- Program: LBCC offers a comprehensive Travel and Tourism program that covers essential skills for aspiring travel agents. The curriculum includes courses in travel industry operations, customer service, and destination geography.
- Website: LBCC Travel and Tourism Program
- Cerritos College
- Location: Norwalk, approximately 15 miles from Long Beach
- Program: Cerritos College provides a Travel and Tourism Certificate program that focuses on travel agency operations, global distribution systems, and tour planning.
- Website: Cerritos College Travel and Tourism Program
- Santa Monica College (SMC)
- Location: Santa Monica, approximately 25 miles from Long Beach
- Program: SMC offers a Travel and Tourism program with courses in travel sales, marketing, and international travel. The program is designed to prepare students for various roles within the travel industry.
- Website: SMC Travel and Tourism Program
Typical Program Curriculum
Travel agent programs typically include a variety of courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career. Common courses include:
- Introduction to Travel and Tourism: Overview of the travel industry, including key players and trends.
- Customer Service: Techniques for providing exceptional service to clients.
- Destination Geography: Study of popular travel destinations and their attractions.
- Travel Agency Operations: Understanding the day-to-day operations of a travel agency.
- Global Distribution Systems (GDS): Training on industry-standard booking systems like Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo.
Programs can range from a few months to two years, depending on whether you pursue a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree. Specializations may include corporate travel, leisure travel, or luxury travel.
Travel Agent Employment Opportunities in Long Beach
Several travel agencies and tourism-related businesses in Long Beach offer employment opportunities for aspiring travel agents:
- AAA Travel
- Location: Downtown Long Beach
- Description: AAA Travel is a well-established agency offering a range of travel services, including vacation planning, cruises, and travel insurance.
- Website: AAA Travel Careers
- TravelStore
- Location: Bixby Knolls
- Description: TravelStore is a full-service travel agency specializing in luxury travel, corporate travel, and customized vacation packages.
- Website: TravelStore Careers
- Expedia Cruises
- Location: Belmont Shore
- Description: Expedia Cruises focuses on cruise vacations and offers a variety of travel services, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Website: Expedia Cruises Careers
Travel Agent Certification Options
While certification is not mandatory, it can enhance your credibility and career prospects. Some popular certification options include:
- The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Associate (CTA): CTA Program
- The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Counselor (CTC): CTC Program
- ARC’s Certified Travel Professional (CTP): CTP Program
- IATA’s International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diploma: IATA Diploma
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a travel agent in Long Beach, California, is an exciting and rewarding journey. With a variety of local training programs and employment opportunities, you have the resources you need to succeed. Contact a school or organization today to take the first step toward your new career. The world of travel awaits!