[originaltext] [23]The tourist industry differs from many others in that it

[23]The tourist industry differs from many others in that it employs more women than many other kinds of business. Indeed, women are found at all levels—from the semiskilled to management positions— in the transportation companies. Many successful travel agents are women who have established independent enterprises after gaining experience elsewhere in the industry.
    Experience is necessary for the successful operation of a travel agency. It has been estimated that a minimum of ten years’ work in the industry is a prior condition for setting up an agency with the expectation of making it a success. [24]There are many different ways to acquire the necessary experience. Some agents begin as clerical workers or secretaries in travel agencies or in the transportation companies. Particular jobs that provide useful knowledge include those of ticket agent and reservations agent for the airlines.
    In addition to dealing with the public, the travel agent must deal with people who work for the other components of the industry. One of the most important aspects of the job is keeping informed of the highly complex pricing of both scheduled and nonscheduled airlines, and the resort hotels as well. [25]Even when help is available, as it usually is from the airlines, the agent who can compute fares accurately has an advantage over one who cannot. The agent must also keep up with other developments in the industry—new resorts, changing travel regulations, new services, and so on.
23. In what aspect is the tourist industry different from many others?
24. Why do some agents begin as clerical workers in travel agencies?
25. What can we learn about the travel agent from the passage?