MEDIA RELEASEThe Travel Institute’s CTA 10thEdition Program Now Available2022 Release features all-new Marketing and Payment sections, updates throughout
FRAMINGHAM, MA, February 14, 2022 –The Travel Institute has released the 10th edition of its Certified Travel Associate, or CTA®, program, the industry’s “gold standard” in higher learning for agents in the U.S. and Canada. Updated throughout, the CTA 10th Edition features two all-new sections: Marketing and Promoting Your Business, a 5-lesson, in-depth module including key marketing principles as well as expert guidance on successful marketing strategies and tactics, and Accepting and Processing Payments, a 3-lesson module focused on financial terminology, a “how to” on payment processing best practices, and security protocols recommended for all transactions, as well as cover-to-cover updates throughout all 15 learning modules. “The travel industry is changing before our eyes and the agent role is more challenging than ever. With new processes, protocols and rules across geographies, suppliers and more daily, agents need greater knowledge AND an upgraded arsenal of practical and professional skills to keep up and to get ahead,” said Guida Botelho, CTIE, director of training, The Travel Institute. “For agents looking to attract more clients, grow sales, enhance value, communicate better, improve efficiency, become more marketable and, of course, earn more, the CTA 10th Edition helps accomplish these goals and more,” Botelho asserted. The new edition was recently previewed by several key partners of The Travel Institute. Rhonda Stanley, CTA, CTC, vice president talent development for Toronto-based Travel Agent Next Door, said the new edition is “simply fabulous” and continued, “Success doesn’t just happen. Agents who apply the knowledge and step-by-step advice from the new CTA program will absolutely have greater success.” Lisa Sheldon, CTIE, president of the Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association, agreed. “The new payments module is critical to every agent’s everyday success,” Sheldon said, explaining that “protecting client payment information is imperative” and that “understanding agency and vendor payment procedures is key.” While expectations for agent capabilities have increased, so has consumer appreciation, leading to additional sales opportunities for those agents poised to meet consumer needs, according to Diane Petras, CTIE, president, The Travel Institute. “Along with saving time and money, travelers gain peace of mind, expertise, and more working with a travel pro; the last 2+ years has truly illuminated the undeniable value educated agents bring to the table,” explained Petras, citing an 83% increase in 2021 visits to the non-profit education leader’s Certified Travel Agent DirectorySM, a no-cost, consumer-facing directory for consumers seeking out credentialed agents. Content changes in the CTA 10th Edition also include significant updates to Business Ethics with legal guidance on travel sellers law, E&O insurance, a new agent code of ethics and more; new tips in Customer-focused Selling; a comprehensive update to Touring the World’s Canada, China, South Pacific, and Africa geographies; new marketing ideas and initiatives for Selling All-Inclusive Resorts and Selling Special Interest Travel; and an important “what to do/not do” section on Travel Insurance, including US and Canada-specific advice. Two previous sections, Teamwork and Preventing Credit Card Fraud, are now “retired” with key learnings incorporated into other modules. The CTA program was initially launched by The Travel Institute more than five decades ago and today is the first level of The Travel Institute’s 3-tier certification program that boasts more than 27,000 graduates, including more than 5,000 CTA graduates in the past five years. The CTA’s industry-leading content is regularly revised based on marketplace demands, agent trends, expert input from within and outside the industry, best-practice research, and user feedback. In 2019, the CTA was migrated to a best-practice, interactive, e-Learning platform with an interactive user interface and dynamic learning tools to further increase comprehension and retention. CTA students today choose from online and/or print options for curriculum, utilizing flexible scheduling and a self-study format. Course content is further augmented with learning strategies including:
CTA graduates also benefit from The Travel Institute’s Certified Graduate Toolkit, which includes a marketing guide for business development, a “how to” on utilizing their Digital Credentials, options for continued education, and more. Enroll in the CTA 10th Edition program today, attend a complimentary webinar, or visit The Travel Institute's CTA page. About The Travel Institute A collaborative industry effort created in 1964, The Travel Institute has continuously evolved to maintain its role as the global leader in travel industry education and certification while staying true to its mission: dedicated solely to advancing the professionalism of both agents and industry leaders in support of individual and industry success. A non-profit, independent organization, The Travel Institute also works with leaders throughout the industry to create and deliver relevant, meaningful and rigorous coursework. Using exclusive proctored, closed-book testing to ensure its graduates earn credentials that demonstrate the highest standards of expertise and service, The Travel Institute has certified more than 27,000 Certified Travel Associate (CTA®), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC®), and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE®) graduates and also administers the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAPSM, exam to confirm students new to the industry demonstrate a mastery of travel industry basics. A trusted partner to industry suppliers and educational institutions, The Travel Institute has trained hundreds of thousands more through additional courses, webinars, and in its online Premium Member content. Throughout North America, many successful agents and high-profile leaders credit their success to coursework from The Travel Institute. Learn more at The Travel Institute. |
