Written by India’s tourism industry is witnessing one of the most interesting times. It is emerging as a global favorite destination and is becoming the nation’s key driver of economic growth. If you have deep interest in the tourism sector and want to take your passion to the next level to build a career here, you are at the right page. With the government’s keen approach to enhance infrastructure, skill development, and travel facilitation in the major travel destinations of India, the sector is set to see employment-led growth.
Here is a quick guide for you to become a registered travel agent.
How to become a registered travel agent
A registered travel agent is an individual or organisation that helps with transportation, lodging and tickets for both domestic or international destinations and offers customized packages for excursions and entertainment of tourists. Though registering your travel agency is not a mandatory requirement, it is preferable for the travel agency to be approved by the Indian government. The government emphasises on the registering of travel agents to promote standards for quality and service in the travel sector.
The steps you need to complete
Here are the key steps that you need to follow to become a registered travel agent –
- Submit your application
In order to work as a registered travel agent, one needs to take permission from the Ministry of Tourism’s Additional Director-General. Once the permission is obtained, it stands good for five years. A detailed inspection is conducted and on the basis of it a preliminary report is submitted by the relevant Regional Director and the five-person TAAI team. After this process is complete, the permission is granted. - Fulfill the government’s eligibility guidelines
In order to start operations as a registered travel agent, one must follow certain guidelines regarding the amount of money invested, the employees engaged, the upkeep of a minimum office space, and other requirements.
Some of the key requirements are – - Before submitting an application, the organization needs to be in operation for a minimum of one year.
- The travel agent or agency must properly file an application to the Ministry of Tourism in order to receive approval by the Indian government.
- The travel agency needs to make an investment of a minimum of Rs 3 lakh. A certificate from a chartered accountant attesting to the agency’s capital investment along with audited financial reports are required.
- The company must be authorised by International Air Transport Association (IATA) or function as a general or passenger sales agent for a carrier that is authorised by IATA.
- The travel agency needs to set up the company’s office in India. In the locations that are at more than 1000 meters above sea level, the workspace must be at least 100 square feet.
- The total cost of getting the accreditation from the government is about Rs 3,000.
- Once the travel agency receives the certification, they need to display it prominently in the agency’s office.
Get travel agent certification
To become a registered travel agent, it is important to obtain a travel agent certification, which is evidence that a person has undergone the required training hours to efficiently work as a travel agent. After completing the required course and passing the exam, the candidates receive these certificates to pursue their career in the travel industry. In essence, the recognition and certification programs train students for successful careers as tour operators, travel agents with airlines, travel agencies, cruise lines, corporate travel departments etc.
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