Travel agent salaries are being driven up by a growing number of staff with specialist knowledge in the independent sector, new research has found.
An AA Appointments Salary Forecast found that agents with computer reservation system skills could command higher pay packets.
Retail staff in London with computer reservation system skills and up to two years’ experience saw a salary hike of 7% to an average of £15,000 in 2007 from the previous year, while staff with two- to four-years’ experience saw an average 6% rise to £17,500, according to Personnel Today sister publication Travel Weekly.
In Scotland retail staff with computer reservation system skills and up to two years’ experience saw pay hikes of 8.3% to an average of £12,000.
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AA managing director John Tolmie said specialist skills, particularly associated with independent agents, were helping to prop up retail salaries. “When you look at salaries, a lot is being driven by independents. They are carving a niche. Last year there were not many increases in certain areas such as retail with computer reservation system skills,” he said.
“Agents have to be more knowledgeable than they ever have been. Knowing the best hotel is more important than ever,” Tolmie added.
