not many.

A degree in ignorance

Nice a*s, big t**s. Try hod carrying instead.

A tour operator is a company that organises tours. An assistant in a travel agents needs no qualification. It's a starting point in the travel industry.

Languages, high stress levels, and quick wit as well as good health, common sense, and an ability to stay on top of things.

Be aware that travel agents are a dying breed.... the internet is closing them by the hundred.

My mate had none, but she was a bit of a sl*pper. Got most of her commission from selling holidays to the lads......... Personality, computer literacy, and willingness to learn is all that matters

I used to work in tourism marketing so know a little about this. I would say enthusiasm, patience and a pleasant manner. There are no official qualifications - with any job the higher level of eductaion the better. If it was my company I would prefer someone with a-levels but would certainly emply someone without if they were the right person. Good luck!

Hibee made a comment I have to comment on. Travel Agents are not a "dying breed" as you say. Actually it makes me smile that you only book on line, because I have proved that on line isn't always lower. In fact they undercut agents for so long to make people like you "think" on line is always cheaper. So go on pal, keep booking on line I'm glad to hear that you will be paying more over the years! I'm not saying on line is NEVER cheaper, but like I said it is people like you who were obviously swept up easily by the on line stuff. Besides just because you can book on line, doesn't make you knowledgeable in travel or hardly a travel agent. We travel usually about 5 - 7 times a year at least to keep updated on the popular destinations so we can tell you which hotels are touched up and which ones are better than they appear. Let me guess you are one who calls an agent for there expertise, but book on line right. That's horrible........if you are so good at doing travel alone. Never call an agent and waste there time again. If you say you don't, I can almost guarentee you are not telling the truth....... To the poster, in all honesty I'm unsure of how to answer your question because i'm not sure I'm clear of what you are asking. If you like email me and I can answer as best I can.

no idea, gcse or qualification in the lesuire and tourism ? experience in customer care maybe ? sori, best i can do xx

You need to be computer literate. Some travel agencies prefer people to have completed some sort of travel and tourism college course. Although most training can be done on the job. Have some geography knowledge and it also helps to be well travelled. You will also have to have a good number of gcse's/ standard grades in maths and english would be a must. The most important is to have good customer care skills and be able to sell! Every place is different

as it is virtually unskilled then none-other than a club 18-30 rep at some time perhaps

This is not really an answer to your question but, here in Spain you need to take a degree in tourism to be a travel agent and know several languages. It makes me laugh to see that people in Britain need no such qualifications. I would think though that it's always a good idea to study languages and work in a travel agents sounds fun!