Business is flying

Prospects in the travel business are excellent at present, according to the Irish Travel Agents' Association (ITAA)

Prospects in the travel business are excellent at present, according to the Irish Travel Agents' Association (ITAA). There are 357 member companies, with more than 4,000 employees.

Travel consultants provide information on air, sea, rail and road transportation. "The travel consultant is also involved in booking accommodation, sightseeing tours and insurance for clients." Graduates usually begin working as a junior travel consultant in an agency.

Salaries vary from agency to agency and depending on location. A typical starting salary would be in the region of £6,500 to £8,000. An experienced travel consultant can expect to earn in excess of £15,000. Further promotional opportunities may be available within the company if it is large enough to support positions such as leisure sales or corporate sales. There is also the option of finding work with tour operators, ferry companies and airlines.