How to write a travel agent cover letter (with an example)

Travel agents look to sell holidays and leisure experiences to customers, possibly even helping organise bespoke packages for them. Being effective in this role can involve having a unique mix of skills and experience. Knowing how to properly showcase your abilities to recruiters when looking for jobs can help you on your career journey. In this article, we learn what a travel agent cover letter is, describe how to write one and provide a template and example to help you create your own.

What is a travel agent cover letter?

A travel agent cover letter is a document used by professionals looking to secure employment. It's a way of introducing yourself to a prospective employer that lets them quickly learn more about you. You can use it to express your motivations for applying for the position and show why you're a strong candidate for the role by outlining your skills and experience. Your cover letter is generally your first opportunity to form a recruiter's first impression of you and is, therefore, an important part of your application.

Your cover letter generally supports your CV, reinforcing the important details that you wish to immediately highlight. To do this effectively, it's important to make your cover letter specific to the role you're applying for. By showing you specifically have the skills and experience the employer values most, you can make a strong, memorable impression on them. This can improve your chances of successfully having your application shortlisted for an interview.

Related: What does a travel agent do and what skills are needed?

How to write a travel agent cover letter

There are a number of elements related to structure and formatting to consider when drafting a cover letter as part of a travel agent application. The cover letter is a formal document with a generally established layout. Furthermore, it serves the specific purpose of conveying key information about yourself. A proper structure can help it do this effectively. Consider following these steps when creating your cover letter:

1. Include a header

Ensuring you prominently display your name and contact details is a key part of designing your cover letter. It's important that recruiters can easily find these details if they wish to contact you with follow-up queries or invite you to an interview. Consider writing your name, email address and phone number in a header at the top of your cover letter document. This can help make it look professional while also ensuring a recruiter knows how best to communicate with you.

Related: How to create an effective CV header (with tips and examples)

2. Open by introducing yourself

Start your cover letter by addressing the reader directly. Research the organisation you're contacting to learn the name of the hiring manager. If you can't find it, you can address the letter simply to the hiring manager or to whom it may concern. Then give a brief introduction, including any details that can help give a good first impression. Possibly mention the number of years of experience you have, information about your current job responsibilities or an idea of your career aims. Consider also mentioning how you learned about the vacancy.

Related: When and how to use 'Dear Hiring Manager' in a cover letter

3. State what motivated you to apply for the role

Early on, talk about your motivations for pursuing this opportunity. Be specific, talking about why you wish to apply for this role in particular. This is where properly researching the organisation and vacancy is important. Maybe the job offers the opportunity to advance on your career journey, or maybe there's something attractive about the organisation and its culture. Be honest and try to convey your genuine passion for the role. Being passionate about working for an organisation can help your cover letter stand out.

Related: How do I answer: ‘Why do you want this job?'

4. Go through your skills and experience

After stating your reasons for applying, show the hiring manager why they might recruit you. Showcase the key skills and abilities you have that mean you could be effective in the role by describing your training and employment experience. There may be notable professional achievements relevant to the role you're applying for. For example, perhaps you've successfully organised large group experience packages in a previous role. Be sure to showcase skills of value to the employer you're contacting. Consider also mentioning soft skills like organisation or communication skills, as these are valuable competencies for travel agents.

5. Invite follow-up contact

As you bring your cover letter to a close, include a call to action for the hiring manager to continue a dialogue with you. This proactive ending to the letter also reinforces the fact that you're passionate about this role. Be polite as you do this and be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. In the call to action, invite the hiring manager to contact you with any queries they may have at this stage of the recruitment process. If you have a preferred method of contact, mention that here as well.

Related: How to follow up on a job application (with example)

6. Sign off

Finally, complete your cover letter by formally signing off. After the main body of the text, use a complimentary close. Kind regards is a common, versatile close you can use. Then insert your name or signature. You may wish to simply type your name or use an electronic signature if you're sending your cover letter as an email. If you're sending a hard copy application, you might wish to physically sign the cover letter. Be sure to thoroughly proofread what you've written before sending it, identifying and correcting any spelling or grammar errors.

Related: What is an electronic signature? (Plus types and benefits)

Template cover letter for a travel agent

Here's a template cover letter to help you structure your own when applying for work as a travel agent:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

[Date]
[Company name]

Dear Hiring Manager,

[Express excitement for the position including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your CV]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method].

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Related: How to use the best cover letter format (with examples)

Example cover letter

Here's an example of a cover letter you may write when applying for a travel agent vacancy that you can use as a reference when crafting your own:

Sarah Holt
07 6654 54193 | s.holt@emailco.uk | Manchester

September 2022
Bevan Bespoke Travel

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to apply for the travel agent position advertised on your website. I have five+ years of industry experience, and my most recent role has seen me organise international travel packages that include an in-country events itinerary. I'm keen to take a step forward in my career and focus more on luxury travel, as this better aligns with my long-term professional aims. When I saw your organisation was hiring, I was immediately excited about the opportunity to work with you.

My most recent travel agent role has seen me sell a mix of pre-planned holidays and bespoke travel packages. I have experience listening to client needs, conducting research and creating tailored travel itineraries. Through doing this, I have established a strong international network of contacts with tour operators and hoteliers. For the past three years, I have also run an independent business in events planning and catering for weddings in luxury venues. This has given me experience interacting with exclusive, high-end venues, and I believe this helps make me uniquely suited to the challenges of the role you're recruiting for.

Please find attached a copy of my full CV, including contact details for a personal referee and my most recent line manager. I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to work with your highly respected and unique organisation. I, therefore, ask that you please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or if there's anything else you require at this stage. Please contact me either by email or phone, whichever is most convenient for you.

I thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Sarah Holt