1. Explain how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work?

Once arrived at work I assess what needs to be done for the day and work out an order, as well as several branching ideas should distractions arise. Obviously events change during the day and I am constantly on the ball to rearrange and replan.

2. Explain me do you like children?

Many holiday reps and tour guides need to be able to cope with children and possibly elderly people in their daily work, so think of examples of your experience that demonstrate you are prepared for this and will enjoy the challenges.

3. What is your greatest achievement as Travel Consultant?

Be confident and proud. If it was a team effort, let them know but say you were instrumental in driving the team forward or kept everyone to time or budget. If you increased sales or received excellent feedback, let them know.

4. Explain me why should we consider you for this position?

I think you should consider me for this position because I have strong knowledge on the travel and tourism industry. I'm great at meeting target goals, I'm enthusiastic about my work and I strive on new challenges.

5. Explain me about your current or your previous job?

This is an opportunity to clearly explain your experience and show off recent achievements. Employers and HR manager love to hear things like how you have solved at work, performed well in a team, how you're committed to your job, how well you handle your colleagues or customers, have leadership skills. The goal here is to convince them that your previous experience will be useful and will complement the role of a hotel manger, customer service representative, or travel agent.

6. Suppose if I spoke to your boss, what would they say about you?

When an interviewer asks you this, they are looking for evidence that you have sought feedback from a manager. You should use this as a way of showing how you acted upon that feedback to ultimately improve your performance.

7. Explain me how important is it for you to build a relationship with your customers?

Because without them, an establishment is nothing. So building a good relationship to a customer can help you earn more profit especially when they are satisfied with the service and product you have rendered to them, they will come back for sure and recommend you to his/her friends.

8. Tell me what is the future of travel and tourism industry?

Travel and tourism industry in India is booming and will continue to show impressive growth rates. The tie-ups of private airlines with foreign airlines have increased the flow of domestic and foreign tourists in the country.

9. Explain me about a time when you failed at something?

Feel free to reframe the question. This is similar to asking “Can you give an example of a time when you had to cope with a difficult situation?” or “Give an example of a time when you had to cope under pressure”. You may find it easier to give an example if you think back through your work experience, study, extracurricular activities and travel and come up with a time when you had to cope with an unexpected problem.

10. Has such an incident event happened when you incurred a client's wrath?

Yes. There was a time when due to severe weather conditions in the state, 45 flights had been delayed. One client called me, furious that I should have known this would happen since “I am in the business”. I did all I could you explain that it wasn't really my responsibility if a flight got delayed but the client wasn't having any of it. It was quite unpleasant.

11. Tell me what type of work is involved in travel and tourism industry?

Travel and Tourism industry is mainly concerned with giving services to people who are going away from home, either on business trip or on a vacation. This industry work area involves dealing with customers, providing ticketing and money exchange facilities, arranging visas, making reservations, providing tourist guides and all-important details that are needed.

12. Tell me how do you handle difficult customers?

I will give the most options that I can to them. Give as much information as I can and let them decide. Explain them what is the most fit for them and let them make the decision.

13. Explain what do you like least about being a Travel Agent?

I think the thing I would like least would be the neglect of face to face contact with customers, so you can deliver an even better service.

14. Tell me do you have any previous experience as a Travel Agent?

Unfortunately I haven't any experience being a travel agent. That's why I promised my self that after I graduated I will find a Travel Agency where I can learn a lot.

15. Explain me how are your communication skills?

I can get the message through. I am fluent in English and French and currently learning mandarin. I will learn the business terms quickly.

16. Tell me what do you like most about being a Travel Agent?

I have a big experience and I visited many countries. I like to give my experience and make a vacation of my clients the best. I like to see happy people after vacation.

17. Tell me why did you choose to pursue a career as a Travel Agent?

Thoroughly enjoyed the travel college course I completed, passionate about the travel industry, enjoy communicating with people and making people happy which would be through booking them a great holiday.

18. Explain what are your career goals as a Travel Agent?

Being able to provide people with their ideal travel experience and for some being able to provide it within their budget is a huge bonus.

19. Explain me what place do you love to recommend to clients?

I would recommend Montego Bay because there is sun, sea and sand and When I was there I felt like a million dollars. It was so relaxing and peaceful.

20. Explain what is your biggest weakness?

The problem with this question is that you're being asked about your shortcomings, when your instinct, in an interview situation, is to keep your flaws as well hidden as possible. What you need to do is to frame your answer so as to give it a positive spin.

Strengths and weaknesses can be different sides of the same coin, so another way to approach this question is to think about how you overcome the potential downside of your greatest strength. For example, if you're a natural team worker, is it difficult for you to cope with conflict or assume leadership abilities? How do you cope with this?

21. Explain me what are the eligibility criteria for admission to travel and tourism courses?

There are many travel and tourism institutes, affiliated to various universities and colleges, which provide training in tourism courses at the diploma and degree level. The minimum requirement for admission to travel and tourism courses at undergraduate level is higher secondary. The postgraduate courses require graduation in any academic discipline and fluency in at least one foreign language.

22. Do you know what types of jobs available in travel and tourism industry?

Customer service representatives, reservation representatives, flight attendant, meeting planners, cruise assistants, cruise support staff, cruise directors, corporate travel consultant, Holiday consultant, corporate travel manager, home-based agent, tourist guide, money changer, district sales manager, deputy general manager, director of operations, director of sales and marketing, guest services manager, counter clerk, director of tourism, information officer, director of event services, event coordinator, incentive travel specialist, tour coordinators and many more.

23. Explain me do you have knowledge of tourist attractions?

This is another important question that is likely to be asked from you by the employer. For positions with tour companies, theme parks, or cruise lines, the focus is always on how to satisfy the needs of the confusing customers. You are to present them information about best tourist attractions. For this, you will be asked ‘do you have knowledge about tourist attractions of local and international level?

Be prepared to answer this type of question. For the positions like travel consultant, it is mandatory that you gain sufficient knowledge about the top attractions of the world. This is because you would have to handle all kinds of situations, professionally and with a smiling face. Some other similar questions are:

☛ Describe a place where you have been and how you spent your time there?
☛ How you will attract the customers of all ages towards the tour plans of the company?
☛ Have you visited another country with friends, or family?
☛ How will you schedule the tour of the clients?
☛ Do you know basic first aid?

24. Tell me what advertising and promotions do you use to promote your name?

You don't need to promote yourself. Let someone do it for you. Not for the reason you forced them to do but for the reason they know you are worth it.

25. Tell me what are your personal top three travel destinations?

Dubai for the perfect couples getaway Disney Orlando for the greatest family holiday of all time Thailand a place for explorers.

26. Where do you see yourself in 5 years as Travel Consultant?

I see my self in 5 years time, a successful travel agent to be promoted to hire positions with in retail and tourism.

27. Tell me how do you make a sale? Describe your sales techniques?

First to find out what the customer is looking for, sometimes give a few prompts as to what they want to get out of the holiday, any particular activities, countries they've always wanted to go to. Then go through itineraries you believe would suit them, selling particular resorts, and up sell additional activities. Overcome challenges faced my customer without losing their interest.

28. Tell me an experience you had in dealing with a difficult person and how you handled the situation?

At my previous job we often received complaints about one thing or another. I was always sure to apologise to the customer, and as company policy offer them a free beverage while I either called the manager, or arranged an alternative for them.

29. Operational and Situational Travel Consultant Job Interview Questions:

☛ What excites you about being a travel agent?
☛ How has your work experience prepared you for this position?
☛ How do you feel about working in sales?
☛ What would you differently if you saw that you weren't meeting sales goals?
☛ How much, in percentages, do you book for air travel, hotels, and cars?
☛ Rank your air travel, hotel, and car bookings by volume. What do you book most?
☛ What GDS systems have you used before?
☛ How do you find the lowest fees for your client?
☛ You're on the phone with an angry customer. How do you calm them down?
☛ What kinds of questions would you ask a walk-in client?
☛ What would you do if your customer couldn't afford the package you suggested?
☛ Describe a time you impressed a customer. What did you do, and what did you learn from that experience?
☛ Describe your approach to planning a complex itinerary.

30. Do you know what qualification should I have to start a career in Travel and Tourism industry?

With the growing demand of professionals, it has become necessary to take formal training from any recognized travel and tourism institute. Many companies prefer to hire students who have completed travel and tourism courses.

31. Explain me what is the function of IATA or ARC number in travel and tourism industry?

ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) and IATA (International Air Transportation Association) are two organizations that issue unique ARC or IATA number to qualified organizations. After getting IATA or ARC this number organization can issue tickets and claim for commission.

32. Tell us what types of courses are available for students in travel and tourism industry?

There are many courses available to students interested in this industry such as

☛ Masters in Tourism
☛ P.G Diploma in Travel Management
☛ M.A in Tourism
☛ Diploma in Destination Management
☛ Masters in Business Administration in Tourism and Hospitality
☛ P.G Certificate Course in Travel and Tourism Management
☛ Part time Diploma Course in Tourism
☛ Short term Course in Travel Agency and Tour Operation Management
☛ Crash course in ticketing

33. Suppose we get a lot of irate and angry customers. How do you plan to deal with them?

Any hotel or tourism institute worth its salt spends a lot of time teaching its students about dealing with tough customers. Checking your textbooks for answers is a good idea, but please do so before the interview takes place. If you know somebody in the industry, then it would be a good idea to speak to him or her and ask about how such situations are handled in the workplace. If you have time, then give an example or two about how you dealt with an angry or bad customer in the past with tact, politeness and firmness. Acknowledge that the approach taken with angry customers may depend on the style and formality of the institution, for example a five star hotel may have a different approach to a fast food café.

34. Tell me how can you help other travel agents in dealing with customers?

Travel agents can help each others. They are responsible to book flights, find the best deals, and plan vacations for the clients. It is important that you build excellent professional relationship with other travel agents of the same company. Remember that no one can work alone in this world. So, learn how to work efficiently in team because the job of travel consultant is going to give you a lot of challenges. Some more questions in the series are:

☛ Do you know how to use computer systems for helping clients find the best deals?
☛ How can you handle frustrated customers?
☛ Are you a well-organized travel agent? If yes then prove it!
☛ Do you enjoy traveling alone or with friends/family?
☛ Have you ever booked a tour package through a travel company? How has been your experience?

It is just up to you that how you prepare yourself for some important and common questions like above. Here we would like to make it clear that it is not always that all these questions will be asked. There might be chances when the employer has already set another list of questions to be asked from the potential candidates. You need to prepare your mind for all types of questions that are related to your field.

35. Suppose you have been asked to plan a business meeting or a party for some clients. How will you go about the task?

This seems like a simple enough question, but it is more like a trick question. Many interviewees, either due to anxiety, or because of the overconfidence that comes from being asked such a simple question, mess this up by missing out an important step of the process. Think this out carefully, remember everything that you have been taught or have done and then answer this question slowly and methodically, convincing your interviewers that you can handle a situation under pressure well. Attention to detail is key in this industry, as well as following a brief accurately.