Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified consultants, according to new research

New research from American Marketing Group (AMG) reveals an obstacle currently facing its member agencies: Despite the current high demand for travel consulting services and a shortage of open positions, members of AMG’s Travelsavers and Nest networks are having difficulty finding qualified candidates. prepared to do the work of a travel consultant.

And, alarmingly, 19% of travel consultants surveyed say consumers don’t know the profession still exists.

Our Analysis: A Robust Recruitment Strategy Is Necessary

The problem was exacerbated by two factors, the report shows. Although the travel consultant market is expected to grow 11% over the next 10 years, many consultants are leaving the business (or scrambling to replace employees lost during the pandemic).

Furthermore, misconceptions about the profession are attracting unqualified candidates. More public education about career choice and an industry-led recruitment effort are needed – including education, events, public awareness campaigns and more. Travel consultants also need to be their own best advocates and work to educate their own networks about the realities of the career.

Fast Facts: More Details Revealed About Travel Consultant Profession, According to AMG Report

– Sixty-nine percent of agencies plan to or may hire consultants in the next year, but only 7% say it is easy to find qualified candidates.

– Of the agencies looking to hire, two-thirds want to fill more than one position and about a third want to hire as many good candidates as possible.

– The travel agency services market is expected to grow 11% over the next decade (to $1.3 billion).

– The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that travel consultant positions will increase 3% annually through 2032 (with about 8,600 openings per year).

– At the same time, the Travel Institute reports that 36% of agencies lost employees during the pandemic and 56% of them did not replace them.

– Two-thirds of advisors today are over 50 years old, with retirement approaching, and only 6% of advisors are under 35 years old.

– Almost half of consultants say that candidates do not have the right mix of skills and abilities, 44% report that candidates just want to travel for free and 41% say the salary is not high enough.

– Recruitment strategies used by AMG agencies include referrals (64%), networking (35%), job listings (28%) and social media posts (24%).

What They Say: The Travel Industry Needs to Attract New Talent

“The travel industry is facing a perfect storm,” said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, director of sales at AMG. “Veteran consultants are leaving the field at the same time travelers are eager to partner with them. obligation to attract new talent to overcome the enormous demand our agencies face.”

“We need to shout from the rooftops that travel advisors are thriving,” she added. “We also need to educate potential clients about the realities of the career. themselves, but those who fit in will join a wonderful community of talented people in an industry with unlimited potential.”