CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Travel Adviser: Australian Careers in Hospitality

0 Course

On this page

What is a Travel Adviser?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Travel Adviser?

A Travel Adviser plans and books travel for clients. They arrange flights, hotels, tours, and transport. They also give advice on places to visit, visa rules, and local customs.

Travel Advisers work in retail agencies, corporate travel teams, and online companies. Their goal is to match each client’s budget and interests with the best options. Strong product knowledge and a passion for service are key to success.

On a typical day, they meet with clients, build travel plans, and confirm bookings. They collect payments, issue tickets, and advise on travel insurance. Keeping clients up to date on passport, visa, and health rules is a core part of the job.

This career suits people who enjoy helping others see the world. Travel Advisers can choose to focus on cruise, luxury, corporate, or adventure travel. The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) offers training and support for career growth.

Icon

Career snapshots For Travel Advisers

Travel Advisers are a well-known part of Australia’s tourism workforce. About 77% of the workforce is female, with a median age of around 39 years (recent Australian workforce data). They work in retail travel agencies, corporate travel firms, and online booking companies.

About 32% of Travel Advisers work part-time, which suits many life stages. The unemployment rate for this role is low. Pay ranges from $39,000 at entry level to $70,000 for senior professionals (source: PayScale, 2026).

Employment has grown steadily as the travel industry bounces back. Demand is rising in corporate travel, luxury holidays, and cruise bookings. These niches offer higher pay and clear career paths for advisers who build strong skills.

What will I do?

Travel Advisers are at the heart of tourism in Australia. They help clients plan every detail of their trip, from first booking to last check-out. Their work mixes customer service, research, and problem-solving every day.

  • Meeting clients to find out their travel needs, budget, and interests
  • Building travel plans based on routes, cost, and timing
  • Making and confirming bookings for flights, hotels, and tours
  • Informing clients about travel dates, baggage limits, and visa needs
  • Sharing details on tourist spots, tours, and local activities
  • Helping clients with travel clearances and paperwork
  • Collecting payments and giving clients their travel plans, tickets, and vouchers
  • Advising on travel insurance and government travel rules
  • Answering traveller queries about routes, customs, and local tips
  • Providing brochures and information on local and interstate tours
  • Discussing transport options and costs
  • Handling enquiries in a call centre or face-to-face setting

What skills do I need?

Travel Advisers need a mix of customer service skills and knowledge of places. Listening well and asking the right questions helps them match clients with the right trip. Strong communication is key, both in person and over the phone.

Staying organised is just as important. Advisers handle multiple bookings at once and must keep every detail right. Skill with booking tools like Amadeus, Galileo, or Sabre is a clear advantage. Problem-solving also matters, as travel plans can change at short notice.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Customer service and client care
  • Attention to detail in bookings and documentation
  • Organisation and time management
  • Problem-solving and adaptability
  • Knowledge of travel destinations, cultures, and customs
  • Understanding of visa, health, and travel regulations
  • Proficiency in booking systems and GDS software
  • Sales and negotiation skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Financial literacy for handling payments and budgets
  • Teamwork and ability to work independently
  • Passion for travel and exploration

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.