How to become a Tour Planner

Tour planners make travel arrangements for clients based on their demands. Being actively involved in the plan-making process, they suggest and book services that are ideal for the customer's requirements and budget. These include hotel rooms, cab services, flight services etc. They present the clients with an array of choices with regards to the destination of travel and activities available at each spot and guide them through the entire process as well. It is an adventurous and thrilling job profile, especially suited to those who like to interact with people and travel. Having adequate travel experience along with bachelors in Tourism and Travel can allow one to excel in this career. Simply put, their job entails making their client's trip hassle-free by taking over the planning and organizing process, keeping in mind the client's preferences and their budget. In making transportation and accommodation arrangements for the client, the tour planner also procures the best market deals. 

The roles and responsibilities of this job:

• Recognizing the requirements and preferences of the client. 
• Suggesting the best services and destinations for the client to consider based on the weather conditions, necessary documents, local customs etc
• Designing the tour package that incorporates the client requirements and requests within the specified budget. 
• Providing an itinerary that includes the entire plan and details of the trip, including the timings and sites to be visited/ activities to participate in
• Booking the services required by the client, including flights, hotels, transportation, activities etc. 
• Organizing the documents and filing relevant paperwork required for the transport, for the client. 
• Providing the client with useful travel material such as maps, travel guides, event programs
• Documenting the details and information about the client in the database and perform other administrative duties as required. 
• Visiting the hotels, restaurants, and other resources that would be recommended by the planner, to confirm and oversee quality service.
• Reschedule or cancelling reservations when needed and accommodating for any last-minute changes 

Individuals who are passionate about travelling could take up this job and enjoy it while earning money. Interpersonal skills are central to this job to provide services that keep the customer satisfied. The travel planner must also possess the technical knowledge required to make the arrangements, bookings, e- payments, scheduling. The travel planner's own experience can play a major role in understanding what travelling is like and what would be a travellers priority so that the customer's experience can be tailored to be enjoyable. The job would also require the planners to travel around to ensure the quality of the services they recommend to their customers frequently. So being a tour planner one should always be ready to travel. While preparing an itinerary, the planner must have time management skills to analyse the time requirements needed for each place and adjust each item so that the client is benefitted the most from it.

Tour planners can find opportunities in various industries that involve travel, tourism, and hospitality. Some of the industries open to tour planners include:

• Travel Agencies: Tour planners can work for travel agencies, where they create and organize travel itineraries for individuals, families, or groups. They assist clients in selecting destinations, accommodations, transportation, and activities to create customized travel experiences.
• Tour Operators: Tour operators specialize in organizing and conducting tours for specific destinations or themes. Tour planners in this industry design and coordinate comprehensive tour packages, including transportation, accommodations, activities, and guided tours.
• Event Management: Event management companies often require tour planners to organize travel logistics for events, conferences, exhibitions, or incentive trips. They coordinate attendees' transportation, accommodations, and activities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Destination Management Companies (DMCs): DMCs are local experts who provide ground-handling services and create tailor-made experiences for travellers visiting a specific destination. Tour planners in DMCs design and coordinate tours, activities, and services to showcase the best of their destinations.
• Cruise Lines: Cruise companies employ tour planners to create shore excursions and port experiences for cruise passengers. They collaborate with local tour operators and attractions to curate unique and engaging experiences at each port of call.
• Corporate Travel: In the corporate sector, tour planners may work for companies that organize business travel, including planning and coordinating transportation, accommodations, and activities for employees attending conferences, meetings, or corporate retreats.
• Educational Institutions: Some educational institutions, such as colleges, universities, or specialized travel schools, may have positions for tour planners. They may be responsible for designing and managing educational trips and study abroad programs.
• Adventure Tourism: Tour planners can find opportunities in the adventure tourism industry by organizing and coordinating outdoor activities, adventure trips, and eco-tours. They ensure the safety, logistics, and overall experience of participants.