Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s no. 1 cruise company, has launched a dynamic online training programme that will help travel agents in the Asia-Pacific become Costa Cruises experts and assist the travel industry when selling the company’s cruise vacations.

Available from July 21, 2009, “DiscoverCosta Online” (www.pao.discovercosta.com) is a comprehensive website that ‘virtually immerses’ travel agents into the world of Costa Cruises through a series of interactive training modules – including information on the fleet, products and services, and life on board. Using graphics, videos and helpful tips, the training programme is the easiest way for travel agents to get to know Costa Cruises at any time of the day. In addition, upon completing all the modules, which have a point scoring system for users to measure their knowledge, travel agents will be awarded a diploma, certifying them as Costa Cruises experts.

"‘DiscoverCosta Online’ is an innovative and convenient tool that will not only provide travel agents with the most up-to-date Costa Cruises information, it will also be invaluable when promoting our cruise vacations to potential customers," said Dario Rustico, Sales and Marketing Director, Pacific Asia Operations of Costa Cruises. “Cruise holidays are becoming more popular in Asia, and with the diverse itineraries on offer by Costa Cruises in the region, they are fast becoming the vacation of choice. ‘DiscoverCosta Online’ is the perfect programme for travel agents in our fast expanding industry."

Fully flexible, travel agents can access pao.discovercosta.com and start or stop any of the training modules as they wish. Filled with useful information and presented in a simple yet fun format, Costa Cruises’ newest training programme will equip travel agents with the tools and knowledge to answer any questions customers may have.

The highlight of “DiscoverCosta Online” is the vast library of informative videos on Costa Cruises’ detailed offerings to guests. From the comfort of their offices or even at home, travel agents can reference this wealth of knowledge which includes boarding procedures, booking information, cabin information, interesting facts, payment information, recreational activities and much more.

In addition, to help Costa Cruises better serve the travel industry in the Asia-Pacific, travel agents can provide feedback to the company directly at the ‘Suggestions’ section.