Notes that follow the text. Experience is necessary for the successful operation of a travel agency

Experience is necessary for the successful operation of a travel agency. It has been estimated that a minimum of ten years' work in the industry is a prerequisite for a setting up an agency with the expectation of making it a success. There are many different ways to acquire the necessary experience. Some agents begin as clerical workers or secretaries in travel agencies or in the transportation companies. Particular jobs that provide useful knowledge include those of ticket agent and reservations agent for the airlines.

In addition to dealing with the public, the travel stgent must deal with people who work for the other components in the industry. One of the most important aspects of the job is keeping informed of the highly complex pricing policies of both scheduled and nonscheduled airlines and the resort hotels as well. Even when help is available, the agent who can compute fares accurately has an advantage over one who cannot. The agent must also keep up with other developments in the industry - new resorts, changing travel regulation, new services, and so on.

The travel agent has some advantages. One of the most important is the economic independence that comes from owning and operating a small business. There is of course an element of risk. A change in the business cycle as a whole may cause a sharp decline in tourism, which is after all a luxury for most people. Another advantage is the opportunity to travel. The treatment that is given to travel agents on familiarization tours is often lavish so as to impress them favorably with the services that are being offered.

The tour operators work much more within the framework of ordinary corporate practice than the small retail agencies do. That is, they have the usual hierarchy of clerical workers and manage-ment personnel. Companies like Carlson Travel Network and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. employ people in nearly all phases of tourism, ranging from the jobs that would be found in retail travel agencies to those that deal with packaging tours or establishing overall policy for the companies. They also employ a large staff to work on advertising and publicity. The large companies are an excellent place to gain experience. People often start with clerical work and later move on to more travel-oriented jobs.

The Institute of Commerce in Nizhny Novgorod offers courses in tourism as a whole. People who get a higher school degree after completing such a program can be considered professionals in the field. They are particularly highly-qualified to fill positions with government tourist bureaus or with consulting firms. Their education is designed to give an overview of all aspects of the industry. It is particularly useful in research, planning and development.

Tourism is an industry that is still growing rapidly. It continues to provide people with the choice of a variety of occupations that require many different kinds of skills. No matter what aspect of the industry one may work in, the final result of the effort should be a satisfied customer who remembers his trip or his vacation with pleasure.