Tuition Assistance and Additional Learning Opportunities Highlight Month-Long Effort
FRAMINGHAM, MA, September 28, 2018 – The Travel Institute today announces its TRIP of a LifetimeOctober promotion for new travel agents, offering substantial tuition assistance savings of nearly 40 percent on its TRIPKit introductory training course bundle. The October promotion also includes additional content further focused on new agent learning and distributed via a dedicated webpage, webinars, and other targeted communications, along with advertising to attract potential new agents and educate the general public.
“The travel industry has voiced a significant need for more agents and The Travel Institute is delivering,” declared Diane Petras, CTIE, president, The Travel Institute. Petras cited a record 2,063 new travel agents educated by The Travel Institute in 2017 alone, as necessitated by both an aging agent population and a growing industry. “The TRIP of a Lifetimepromotion is intended to build on our momentum, encouraging potential new agents from all walks of life to take the leap and take their first step in making their dream of launching a travel agent career a reality.”
Long considered the industry’s “gold standard,” TRIPKit new agent training is a self-guided course with online and print components. It is used by individuals studying independently, agency owners and managers training new staff, and post-secondary vocational institutions teaching travel-related curriculum. Aturn-key, affordable and flexible educational tool, TRIPKit helps create the career path for potential travel advisors by providing a comprehensive overview of booking air, ground, accommodations, cruises, tours and packages while also exposing potential new agents to numerous other nuances in booking travel today.
“TRIPKit has been invaluable for our Travel Agency Operations Certificate program,” affirmed Akua Washington, CHIA, CMP and lead instructor for Georgia’s Gwinnett Technical College Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management program. “Becoming a successful travel agent takes time, effort, and ongoing education. Written by industry insiders, TRIPKit gives students the start they need, enabling practical application of travel booking concepts and teaching students exactly what they need to know wherever their travel career might take them.”
During the limited-time offer, individuals can save nearly $150USD on the TRIPKit travel introductory program bundle, including:
- TRIPKit standard textbooks and materials, such as Insider Insightsexpert intelligence, suggested study timelines, and an overview of home-based agency requirements;
- the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) TestReview video to prepare for the TRIPKit final exam, the first step toward professional recognition; and
- the All NEWonline, Launching a Travel Business: The Entrepreneur’s Checklist comprehensive guide, including advice and a printable workbook to navigate initial business launch considerations including tax structure options, technology requirements and marketing opportunities as well as advice critical to businesses longer term.
“We believe investing in learning creates quality agents with a much greater opportunity to be successful for themselves and for their travelers. We are delighted to partner with The Travel Institute ongoing for the educational tools that enable that success,” offered Rhonda Stanley, CTC and vice president of talent development at The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) in Toronto, Ontario. Stanley uses TRIPKit materials for TTAND’s mandatory new agent training program, adapting for the Canadian travel market specifically.
Agents today are recognized widely by travelers, industry suppliers and other stakeholders for saving travelers both time and money while providing the peace of mind and security that comes only when booking through an accessible travel professional who can navigate an increasingly complex industry to best support a traveler before, during and after a trip. “Completing TRIPKit helped me enter the travel industry with confidence. I’m still learning new things all the time but I have a strong foundation and know I am adding value to my clients’ itineraries,” reflected recent program graduate Cindy Stafford.
Petras emphasized The Travel Institute curriculum is continually refreshed to keep pace with today’s ever-changing travel industry and that TRIPKit is often just the first of many courses as The Travel Institute facilitates continued education for industry newcomers and veterans alike. “The death of the travel agent due to the rise of self-booking tools and the internet has been greatly exaggerated,” she mused. “Indeed, the vital role of a well-trained, expert travel advisor is alive and growing more than ever as travelers seek the efficiency, knowledge and insight they need to make financially sound and safe travel decisions.”
Visit The Travel Institute’s October Promotionto learn more and take advantage of the October savings.
About The Travel Institute
Since 1964, The Travel Institute has been the global leader in travel industry education and certification. A non-profit organization dedicated to educating and advancing travel agents, The Travel Institute has certified more than 25,000 Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) graduates, while additionally training hundreds of thousands more through its new agent, destination, niche and lifestyle courses and webinars. A trusted partner to industry stakeholders and educational institutions alike, The Travel Institute holds its graduates to the highest standards of expertise and service as members progress through increasingly rigorous coursework and challenging exams to continue their education and verify their expertise. The Travel Institute also offers unlimited learning online in its Premium Member Lounge, which serves as a 24/7 classroom across all mobile platforms and delivers college-level courses in business, finance, sales, marketing, social media, and more. Learn more at www.thetravelinstitute.com.