With the rise of online booking and e-commerce, more and more travel agencies are turning to remote assistants to help grow their businesses. Remote assistant jobs can be a great way for you to get started in the industry and build a network of contacts that you can use when opportunities present themselves. You might not end up working directly for the company you’re applying to, but by building relationships with other industry professionals, you’ll be in good standing if they ever do offer you a job. Remote booking agents work under a travel agency manager or agent while they manage bookings through online websites. Their goal is to find travelers who want to book that hotel at the best possible rate so the company can turn as much profit from each reservation as possible within a given time frame without overbooking their rooms or resorting to higher-priced rooms during peak demand seasons. This means that remote booking agents need exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail because they will be regularly comparing various hotel prices based on different search criteria like location, star rating, amenities, etc before making sure the one they chose is the absolute best deal for both parties involved.
What Does a Remote Booking Agent Do?
Remote booking agents are responsible for managing the online bookings for a travel agency’s hotels and flights. They are responsible for researching available flights, coordinating with airlines to get the best rates, and matching hotel rates with the client’s preferences. Remote booking agents manage tickets, make travel arrangements and find the best prices for travel services. Most booking agents work with travel agents to manage the booking process, find available flights and arrange travel tickets. Remote booking agents work in a variety of industries and can be found in a variety of fields.
How to Become a Remote Booking Agent
To become a remote booking agent, you’ll first need to learn the ins and outs of online booking. You’ll need to be proficient at managing clients’ expectations as well as finding the best rates for their specific travel needs. If you have experience in travel management, bookkeeping, management consulting, or another related field, you might be better off working as a booking agent. If you don’t have any experience in the field, you can become certified in the growing field of remote booking agents. When it comes to certification, it’s important to remember that certification doesn’t guarantee that you’ll land a job. You need to be able to prove your skills and experience to potential employers.
Base pay and types of jobs available
Remote booking agents who work under large travel agencies can earn a base salary of $75,000 or more. They also have the opportunity to work for smaller boutique agencies that don’t have a large staff, as well as for online booking sites like Hotels.com or Expedia. For most booking agents, base pay will vary depending on the type of booking agent job. There are three main job types: front desk agents, reservation agents, and travel management consultants.
Working hours and requirements
Remote booking agents often work flexible hours, although they are usually required to work a 40-hour work week with the opportunity to work additional hours on a overtime basis. They must be available to work over weekends and holidays when their clients need their help. While most booking agents work from home, there are some who work in an office setting. Most remote booking agents work for themselves, but some work for an agency that provides benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.
Key skills required for a booking agent job
– Outstanding communication skills: A remote booking agent must be able to communicate well with clients, travel agents, and other employees to make a booking go smoothly. They must also be able to interpret client needs and requests clearly and concisely.
– Strong organization and attention to detail skills: As a booking agent, your job will be to find the best rates for travel, compare them to ensure the client is getting the most bang for their buck, and then find the best hotel rates based on various factors like location, amenities, and price. You must be able to do this quickly, accurately, and with a minimum amount of errors.
– Advanced computer skills: Remote booking agents often work with computers to search for the best rates, track clients’ travel plans, and manage client bookings. They must be comfortable using complex computer systems and software.
– Knowledge of travel regulations, laws, and policies: As a booking agent, you will be working with various travel services, including airlines and hotels. You must have a basic understanding of travel regulations to make sure your clients are getting the best deals.
– Ability to work as part of a team: Most booking agents work in an office environment and must understand how to work with colleagues. You must also be able to manage your time well and work efficiently as part of a team.
Tips for Landing a Remote Booking Agent Job
– Stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.
– Leverage your personal and professional networks.
– Find a certification or educational program that fits your budget and schedule.
– Create a strong resume and cover letter to help you land a job.
– Be prepared to interview with prospective employers.
– Ask yourself, “Would I want to work here?”
– Remember, the best way to stand out from other candidates is by demonstrating your value. If you have any portofolio to show to your employer or vendor. That will be great. Doesn’t need to specify in booking industry. Virtual assistant or management data protofolio will be great to make better impression.
Conclusion
As more people turn to online booking, it will become even more important for remote booking agents to have excellent communication skills and be able to manage complicated bookings. With the right certification program and training, you can successfully pursue a career as a remote booking agent.
