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Travel Industry Consultant Randolph Haddad
Randolph Haddad
Randolph Haddad started his career in travel in Toledo, Ohio in 1974. For 18 years Randolph produced steady sales growth, handling prominent global companies.
In 1991, he set off on his own, acquiring his own agency – an agency with $3 Million in sales.
Over the next 7 years Randolph expanded his single location into multiple locations in three states and his sales to $30 Million, through acquisitions and organic growth. In 2000, Randolph sold his business to a national travel management company.
He agreed to stay on and became a member of the executive committee and VP of Mergers and Acquisitions, where he was instrumental in acquiring 19 major travel related business during his tenure, and played a major role in the company’s expansion from $250 Million to $500 Million in sales.
Hot Travel Jobs is pleased to have Randolph on board - so,
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Questions & Answers
Question: hello sir,
please how can i be an agent of other travel companies. I have a travel company in Ghana and will like to have more people and also been an agent of others.hope hearing from u soon.
Answer: I am not familiar with the parameters in Ghana, however I would suggest, if you have significant experience in the travel agency area of the tourism business, and can speak English well, look for an American Express retail outlet. Ask if they can provde you with a web site that has applications for positions as a reservation agent in your country, or if they have a call center and what cities they may be located. I would also suggest going to the major tour operators in your particular area, or to a large city near you to look for agency positions, or positions with tour operators. My apologies for not having more resources to assist you, but beleive this can provide a start for your journey in finding added employment in the travel industry. Happy Landings! Randy Haddad
Question: I want to start a niche travel agency (no experience) and want to know the best way to get things started? Should I grow local then expand regionally? Or is it best to agent online?
Answer: Victoria- First if you are interested in issuing airline tickets in this travel agency you will have to go through a lengthy application regime with the Airline Reporting Corporation. They hold the authority as representatives of all airlines,that allow you to issue airline tickets. The application and requirements are very demanding and strictly enforced. Secondly, without prior experience in the travel tourism industry it will be very difficult to "start" an agency operation. You need to gain experience in the business, especially if it a niche market as you indicated, by working in the business itself, as it is much more complex that you may think. Not only do you need venture capital, but need to be bonded, carry E&O insurance, and have credibility within the travel agency community including the suppliers and vendors( or specifically those areas for which you wish to focus), because without their trust in your ability to sell their product, your support from them will be non-existent. You need to ask yourself a simple question: Would I go to a travel company to invest money I worked for all year for a vacation, with a company and agents that have little to no experience, OR would I go to an agency that is well known and has a great reputation for taking care of their customers with the best price, is knowledgeable of the type of holiday I wish to go on, and if I have a problem while on the trip, will that agency be available to help me ? Additionally, you mentioned Internet or Virtual agency exposure. Most of these companies that are really professional will expect you come with experience. Yes, there are those where you pay to become a seller of travel and then open your own website, but they will make you go through several weeks of training for the basics before you are allowed to book the trips independently, as they must abide by the parameters of selling travel. Most states require a certificate and you must be registered with the state in order to become a seller of travel. It is great that you wish to get into the travel tourism industry,but I would suggest you glean some experience in a brick and mortar agency ,and when you have been exposed to most of the nuances of the business , and have established a reputation in the industry as a professional, venture out into the business... just gain some experience before you leave the gate. Best of luck and Happy Landings! Randy Haddad
Question: I am currently looking to change careers by joining the travel industry as a travel agent. I am looking into on-line travel schools and I have the option of choosing to learn one GDS computer system - SABRE, Apollo, Amadeus or Galileo. Which one should I choose?
Answer: Dear Laticia, I would first consider where you are living and the market the customers represent.. If you are going to affiliate with an on line agency, check with them to see which they prefer as a number of them will have business relationships with one or two, or more. Also consider call centers and the airlines in your city. One system is no better than the oher unless there is a special business relationship with the sponsoring school. Need to do your homework based yor location and what school , or center may be in your area. If becoming an online agent for a particular Internet agency, check with them to see what system they would prefer you to learn. Best of Luck and Happy Landings! Randy Haddad
Question: I have 20yrs experience as a Corporate/Business Travel Agent. I recently relocated to USA from Canada, however I seem to be unable to find employment. I am in possession of a green card.
Where should I be looking??
Thank you
Answer: Dear corporate travel vet- A number of suggestions come to mind, but in today's environment it may be best to consider the following options: 1) If you are located in a metro area, look on line or in the Yellow Pages for large corporations who have a presents in your community. Contact the HR department to see of they use a travel service or have their own. Should they have a department -find the managers name and number or advice you would like to submit a CV . If they use a travel management company, ask which one , then approach that company. 2) Look in your community for national travel management companies that may have a local branch location 3)Check on line for agencies that have virtual operations where agents work from home via the Internet. 4) Contact major corporations to see if they have a virtual travel department where you can be a part of the organization, and work from your home office( should you have one). In the 20 years you have been in the travel business, there have been a lot of major changes, especially in the leisure, but also in the corporate environment. All companies have an interest in controlling costs, and if large enough will have a travel management company they deal with. Check on line for companies in your community, and large companies you feel may have a need for a travel department, and check with your local Chamber for added information. They also have sources that help find positions for people moving into their community. Best of luck , and Happy Landings!
Question: Hi Mr Haddad: About 10 years ago the major corporation I worked for as a corporate floater eliminated my department and job. I have been out of the travel industry for 10 years, but miss it and would really like to get back in. Last January I took an online Sabre course to refresh my skills and since have been looking to get back into the industry, but with very little luck. What would you recommend to make myself look attractive on a resume with a 10 year employment gap in the industry. Thanks...Connie Besaw
Answer: Dear Connie- My suggestion would be to go to a travel agency and work on commission - which would be a minimal outlay for the agency owner( that's probably the only way to get in) since you have not been in the business for such a while.Glean as much information from your co workers to get up to speed. After becoming familiar with the nuances of travel in a new decade, then either approach your agency boss or owner and see if the Independent Contractor agreement could be changed, and if so, you can put some time in before moving into the corporate arena again. If the answer is "no", then I would suggest you apply over the Internet to a call center for one of the major carriers.Today's environment doesn't always require one to physically go to a res center. Should this not be appealing to you, find a virtual travel business where you can work from home and gain momentum there until you feel comfortable applying to a corporate entity. Most medium to large companies will have a travel management company as an in- house consultant. When applying to corporations and are advised they already have a travel company, inquire as to the agency and then apply directly to that agency as a corporate agent. Bottom line Connie, I believe you need to show the level of expertise in today's environment ( travel), and then move forward. It may take a little longer than anticipated, but 10 years out of the business is a long time, and potential employers will question the gap in employment in the travel industry. Good luck in your search,and Happy Landings! Randy Haddad
