The Travel Institute will deliver onsite training and certification at Cruise University…
The Travel Institute will deliver onsite training and certification at Cruise University, a unique educational experience that takes the form of a ten-day, Eastern Caribbean cruise leaving from Ft. Lauderdale, April 22, 2005 on board the MSC`s MSC Lirica. Agents attending this Cruise University, organized by travel agent educational organization Cruise Agent Only, will have the opportunity to earn two Travel Institute designations: Destination Specialist Caribbean and Lifestyle Specialist Honeymoons and Destination Weddings.
The Travel Institute will provide the curriculum, onboard training classes led by industry experts and testing to enable participants to leave Cruise University having earned both designations. In addition, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will provide participants with the opportunity to earn up to 70 CLIA credits towards their ACC, MCC or ECC certification through a variety of training programs.
“It is our mission to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for travel professionals throughout the industry. The Institute’s Destination and Lifestyle Specialist courses are a perfect compliment to cruise-specific education, and we feel the in-depth niche market knowledge will prove extremely valuable to the Cruise University attendees,” said Brigid McDonnell, CTC, vice president of business development and partnerships for The Travel Institute. “Travel agents know they need to continue to expand their knowledge and specialize to succeed in today’s competitive environment. Both Destination Specialist Caribbean and Honeymoons and Destination Weddings provide all the content necessary for agents to truly become experts in these extremely popular and profitable markets.”
Cruise University is held aboard various cruise lines and cruise ships through out the year. The campus might be a cruise ship, but the diverse training opportunities benefit all travel agents, not just those selling cruises. Cruise Agent Only, founded in 2002, has over 2,700 members from across the United States, Canada and other international countries. The Cruise University program was conceptualized through conversations with its many members who were seeking additional training in an environment where they can gain first-hand product knowledge.
This is not only a cost-effective way for travel agents to maintain their status and become certified, but it is also the most effective use of time for agents that are truly serious about their product knowledge and ultimately the profitability of their business, said Charlie Dubinsky, President of Cruise Agent Only.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
