The Travel Institute’s 8th annual Promote Your Professionalism (PYP) campaign kicks off today, June 28, and runs through July. This is an annual opportunity for agents to utilize scholarship funds while strengthening both their business skills and travel industry knowledge.
Delivering the travel industry’s education gold standard for more than 55 years, the non-profit has supported more than 3,100 students in endowed scholarships to date across its flagship, 3-tier certification programs since PYP’s inception in 2014. To apply for a scholarship, individuals must complete The Travel Institute’s scholarship form, available now through the end of July, selecting from the Certified Travel Associate, CTA, Certified Travel Counselor, CTC, or Certified Travel Industry Executive, CTIE, programs, each of which are designed for a particular stage in an agent’s career. Scholarship value is as high as $275 depending on certification level.
“Not all agents are equal,” said Diane Petras, CTIE, president of The Travel Institute in a press statement. “Truly professional travel agents do so much more than check availability and book tickets—they are successful industry experts able to navigate complex protocols, policies and fees, provide counsel on the fine print and much more.”
Certification students experience a combination of online, flexible learning along with access to peer groups and one-on-one advice from trainers for additional support, enabling them to consistently demonstrate the personal skills, professional knowledge, and business aptitude to navigate the travel industry successfully.
“I was really impressed with the depth of information. It’s clear that every module was carefully built. And, the support from the Travel Institute was amazing; the team is always available and eager to help while the Facebook support group was a fantastic way to stay informed, connected and motivated throughout the process,” said Glorycell Melendez, CTA, V. Suarez & Company, Inc. in a press statement.
Along with enhanced capabilities, certified graduates also benefit from online marketing tools such as digital credentials, which enable quick and easy confirmation of an agent’s certification through The Travel Institute as a third-party source, as well as inclusion in The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Agent Directory, a consumer-facing, free-to-the-public directory now available via the non-profit’s homepage for travelers to identify and contact credentialed agents. Agent inclusion in the directory is focused on educational achievement and based solely on successful completion of a CTA, CTC, or CTIE program along with annual continuing education as required through The Travel Institute or another TTI-approved organization to stay current.
Industry veteran Anita Pagliasso, CTIE, vice president, industry relations, KHM Travel Group, and a board member with The Travel Institute says she wishes she had earned her certification sooner. “After 23 years in the industry, I couldn’t be more proud. I realized quickly after completing the program how much it has broadened my industry knowledge. I’ve now become a prime example of ‘it’s never too late.’ I’ve already started to utilize my certification to pay it back and to pay it forward as I coach and mentor each and every day,” she said in a press statement.
Supplementing the certification scholarships during the month-long promotion are free webinars focused on developing and promoting agent professionalism, including:
- July 12, 2 p.m. EDT: How to Harness Your Grit and Tenacity in the Age of COVID; led by Linda Kaplan Thaler, CEO & president of Kaplan Thaler Productions, best-selling author and advertising expert
- July 21, 2 p.m. EDT: Turning Your Credentials into Cashflow; led byAnne Smith, CTIE, ECC, pwner, Travel and Events Extraordinaire
- July 28, 3 p.m. EDT: Increasing Your Circle of Influence; led by Kim Specht, CTIE, industry consultant
For more information, visit thetravelinstitute.com.
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