We’ve been banging on about this for years, but now it’s official – the UK’s dream job... is to be a travel agent. Huzzah!
Travel consultant (17%) came out on top in a poll of 10 ideal jobs, narrowly pipping dog walker (16%), author (15%) and actor (13%).
Now, travel professionals have been keenly sharing reasons why the outcome should come as little surprise after a write up of the research by Le Wagon UK appeared in the Daily Mirror.
Jo Dooey, owner of Scottish agency chain Love To Travel, kicked off the debate when she posted a screengrab of the piece to LinkedIn on Friday (25 November).
Get unlimited access to the latest travel industry news and analysis, comment on articles and sign up to newsletters.
Register for free
Already registered? Login here or below.
Having difficulty logging in? Try these tips, or contact support@ttgmedia.com
We’ve been banging on about this for years, but now it’s official – the UK’s dream job... is to be a travel agent. Huzzah!
Travel consultant (17%) came out on top in a poll of 10 ideal jobs, narrowly pipping dog walker (16%), author (15%) and actor (13%).
Now, travel professionals have been keenly sharing reasons why the outcome should come as little surprise after a write up of the research by Le Wagon UK appeared in the Daily Mirror.
Jo Dooey, owner of Scottish agency chain Love To Travel, kicked off the debate when she posted a screengrab of the piece to LinkedIn on Friday (25 November).
"Travel consultant number one dream job?" said Dooey. "I can assure you it hasn’t been [for] the past few years, but it’s great to see the good old days returning – best choice I ever made."
Dooey said when she started her career in travel, she was told that while she would never be a millionaire, the experiences working in the sector would more than make up for it.
"You get the opportunity to live and experience what it’s like to be one [a millionaire]," she continued. "I’ve travelled and stayed in the best hotels in the world, dined in the top restaurants all through this wonderful industry."
If you’ve got a moment, TTG has created a quick anonymous poll to find out what it is about travel that attracts people, and how we can get more new talent into the industry.
Responding to Dooey’s post, Jigsaw Travel owner Lesley Millar said: "The past few years may have been challenging, but they have shaped us into being more driven and passionate than ever. Still the best industry to be part of."
Quoting the piece, the Advantage Travel Partnership tweeted: "Becoming a travel consultant is the highest wished for dream job apparently? That’s no surprise to us!" Chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said added: "You get to sell dreams every day."
For the past few years, the travel industry has been in a constant state of flux and there is no doubt that booking travel has become more complicated. Being a travel agent has always been an incredibly rewarding career path, but this is particularly true now as the role of the agent is even more necessary and valued that ever before. The power of human connection in booking travel has never been more important.
Since the pandemic, 90% of Advantage members are welcoming new customers who are looking for support and peace of mind by booking through a travel agent. Consumers have found there really is no substitute for agents who act as advisors, who know their clients and can provide expert consultation and support.”
Kelly Cookes is the Advantage Travel Partnership's chief commercial officer.
Besides being a rewarding and fulfilling role in its own right, starting out as a travel agent is a well-trodden path for many of the industry’s senior leaders, much like repping.
Ponant business development manager Danny Giles was another to respond to Dooey’s post. "100% agree," he said. "I’ve never looked back after changing my career path from being a naval helicopter pilot."
Other jobs making the top 10 were social media influencer (12%), party planner (12%), food pop-up owner (11%), TV presenter (11%), app developer (11%) and video game designer (10%).
What attracted you to work in travel? What was the catalyst that resulted in you joining the sector? And do you still love your career in travel? Let us know in the comments below.
Take our Matchmaking quiz to discover the agencies who are best-suited to your requirements. Select the option that describes your current situation below:
New to travel New to homeworking Travel trade professional Experienced homeworker
