Travel Agent Programs in Denver, Colorado

Becoming a Travel Agent in Denver, Colorado

Why Become a Travel Agent in Denver

Denver, Colorado, known as the Mile-High City, offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for aspiring travel agents. With its stunning mountain views, thriving cultural scene, and bustling neighborhoods like LoDo and Cherry Creek, Denver is an exciting place to start your career as a travel professional. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for travel agents is around $44,410 per year, with a projected job growth of 5% from 2020 to 2030.

Travel Agent Training Programs in Denver, Colorado

If you’re looking to become a travel agent in Denver, several local schools and organizations offer comprehensive training programs:

1. Community College of Denver (CCD)
   • Location: Auraria Campus
   • Program: Travel and Tourism Program
   • Description: CCD offers a robust Travel and Tourism program that covers essential skills and knowledge needed for a career as a travel agent. The program includes courses in travel planning, customer service, and industry-specific software.
   • CCD Travel and Tourism Program
2. Emily Griffith Technical College
   • Location: Downtown Denver
   • Program: Hospitality and Tourism Management
   • Description: This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality and tourism industry, including travel agency operations, customer relations, and destination marketing.
   • Emily Griffith Technical College Hospitality and Tourism Management
3. Red Rocks Community College
   • Location: Lakewood, CO (approximately 10 miles from Denver)
   • Program: Travel and Tourism Certificate
   • Description: Red Rocks offers a certificate program in Travel and Tourism that prepares students for entry-level positions in the travel industry. The curriculum includes travel planning, ticketing, and sales.
   • Red Rocks Community College Travel and Tourism Certificate

Typical Program Curriculum

Travel agent programs typically include a variety of courses designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Common courses include:

• Introduction to Travel and Tourism: Overview of the travel industry, including history, trends, and key players.
• Travel Planning and Booking: Techniques for planning and booking travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and tours.
• Customer Service: Strategies for providing excellent customer service and handling client inquiries and complaints.
• Travel Industry Software: Training on industry-specific software such as Global Distribution Systems (GDS).
• Destination Geography: Study of popular travel destinations and their attractions.

Programs can range from a few months to a year, depending on the level of certification or degree pursued. Specializations may include corporate travel, leisure travel, or destination weddings.

Travel Agent Employment Opportunities in Denver

Denver is home to several major travel agencies and tourism-related businesses that offer employment opportunities for travel agents:

1. AAA Colorado
   • Location: Greenwood Village, CO
   • Description: AAA Colorado provides a range of travel services, including trip planning, travel insurance, and exclusive member discounts.
   • AAA Colorado Careers
2. Direct Travel
   • Location: Downtown Denver
   • Description: Direct Travel is a leading travel management company offering corporate travel solutions, meetings, and events planning.
   • Direct Travel Careers
3. Travel Leaders
   • Location: Denver Tech Center
   • Description: Travel Leaders is a full-service travel agency specializing in leisure travel, corporate travel, and group travel.
   • Travel Leaders Careers

Travel Agent Certification Options

Obtaining certification can enhance your credibility and career prospects as a travel agent. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

• ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) Certification: Required for travel agents who sell airline tickets. ARC Certification
• IATA Certification: Demonstrates expertise in the travel industry. IATA Certification
• ASTA Verification: Verifies your expertise and commitment to the travel industry. ASTA Verification

Travel Agent Requirements in Denver, CO

To become a travel agent in Denver, CO, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, obtain certifications, and obtain necessary licenses at the county, city, state, or federal levels. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Education and Training
– While a degree is not required, having a degree in travel and tourism, hospitality, or a related field can be beneficial.
– Complete a travel agent training program approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). IATA Training ASTA Training

Certifications
– ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) Certification: required for travel agents who sell airline tickets. ARC Certification
– IATA Certification: demonstrates expertise in the travel industry. IATA Certification
– ASTA Verification: verifies your expertise and commitment to the travel industry. ASTA Verification

Licensing
– State of Colorado: No specific license is required to become a travel agent in Colorado. However, you may need to register your business with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office. Colorado Secretary of State
– City of Denver: You may need to obtain a business license from the City of Denver. City of Denver Business License
– Federal: If you plan to sell travel insurance, you may need to obtain a license from the Colorado Division of Insurance. Colorado Division of Insurance

Other Requirements
– Bonding: You may need to obtain a surety bond to protect your clients and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
– Insurance: Consider obtaining liability insurance to protect your business from potential lawsuits.
– Membership: Joining industry associations like ASTA or IATA can provide you with networking opportunities, training, and access to industry resources.

Resources
– Colorado Travel Industry Association
– Denver Metro Association of Travel Agents
– U.S. Travel Association

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a travel agent in Denver, Colorado, can be a rewarding and exciting journey. With the right training, certifications, and licenses, you’ll be well-equipped to help clients plan their dream vacations. Contact a school or organization today to start your education and take the first step towards becoming a travel professional. Your adventure awaits!