A new survey by the American Marketing Group (AMG) reveals an obstacle currently faced by its member agencies: Despite the high demand for today’s travel advisor services and the lack of open positions, AMG members. Travelsavers and Nest networks have trouble finding qualified candidates well-equipped to do the job of a travel advisor.
And, alarmingly, 19% of travel advisor respondents say consumers don’t know the profession still exists.
Our Analysis: A Robust Recruiting Strategy Is Necessary
The problem was exacerbated by two factors, the report shows. Although the travel advisor market is expected to grow 11% over the next 10 years, many advisors are leaving the business (or struggling to replace employees lost during the pandemic).
Additionally, misconceptions about the profession attract unqualified applicants. More public education about career choices is needed and an industry-led recruitment effort – with education, events, public awareness campaigns and more – is needed. Travel advisors must also be their own best advocates and work to educate their own networks about career realities.
Fast facts: More details revealed about the Travel Counseling Profession, according to the AMG Report
– Sixty-nine percent of agencies plan or may hire consultants in the coming year, but only 7% say it’s easy to find qualified candidates.
– Of the agencies hoping to hire, two-thirds seek to fill more than one position, and about one-third aim to bring in as many good candidates as they can find.
– The market for travel agency services is expected to grow by 11% in the next decade (to $1.3 trillion).
– Tea US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that travel advisor positions will increase by 3% per year until 2032 (with nearby 8,600 annual openings.
– Meanwhile, The Travel Institute reports that 36% of agencies have lost staff during the pandemic, and 56% of those have not replaced them.
– Two thirds of advisors today are over 50, with retirement approaching, and only 6% of advisors are under 35.
– Almost half of the consultants say that the candidates do not have the right combination of skills and abilities, 44% report that the candidates only want to travel for free, and 41% state that the payment is not high enough.
– Recruitment strategies used by AMG agencies include referrals (64%), networking (35%), job listings (28%) and posting on social media (24%).
What they say: The travel industry needs to attract new talent
“The travel industry is facing a perfect storm,” said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, head of sales at AMG. new talents to advance the enormous demand that our agencies are facing.”
“We need to shout from the rooftops that travel advisors thrive,” he added, “We also need to educate prospects about the reality of the career Yes, they need the right skills and training But those who are suitable they will be joining a wonderful community of talent in an industry with unlimited potential.
