THERE are plenty of opportunities for students to become travel agents or run travel companies by the time they are in their late 20s and 30s, industry leaders have claimed.
Industry bosses speaking at this year’s Aspire conference at Butlins in Bogner Regis told student delegates they could be successful in the industry if they’re prepared work hard and are determined enough.
Ocean Village Holidays managing director Peter Shanks, who started out working in reservations and went on to run the Going Places shop network, said: “There is nothing to stop you running a UK travel company in your 20s or 30s. It just takes drive and passion. You do have to work hard but you can make a lot of money. Education is important but more importantly you need common sense.”
Triton bosses John McEwan and Colin Heal told students that agents who were professional and knowledgeable still had a firm future on the high-street.
Heal, chairman of Triton, said: “There are opportunities for young people to be in senior positions by the age of 30 if they are prepared to work at it.”
Triton director McEwan said students should not be deterred because they do not have the product knowledge before going into a job as an agent.