Virtuoso has launched Travel Basics, an online training program for travel advisors who are new to the industry. Travel Basics provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of the travel industry, and this expanded knowledge of foundational concepts supports advisors as they outline their personal career goals and build their businesses. The program was developed in response to Virtuoso members’ request to assist with recruitment and offers them the opportunity to broaden the talent pool by fast-tracking the learning curve for new entrants.
Travel Basics consists of 15 modules, two practice assessments and one final assessment, as well as an introduction video from Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch. Topics range from Starting the Client Relationship and Developing an Itinerary to Selling Travel Insurance and Preparing Quotes and Invoices. The advisor sets their own pace and can view modules as many times as they like. Knowledge checks along the way allow advisors to gauge their understanding throughout the program and better monitor their own progress.
“The essentials taught in Travel Basics will act as the foundation for success for our advisors and their agencies,” said David Kolner, Virtuoso’s senior vice president of network products and strategy, in a press statement. “While this is just one component in a vast array of professional development offerings from Virtuoso, it’s the most important because it introduces new entrants to the terminology, concepts and practices that seasoned travel advisors have taken years to develop. This expedited ramp-up period is invaluable for new advisors and Travel Basics will set them on a path of readiness and resolve so that they can best serve their clients.”
Approval by host agency owners and managers is required for advisors to participate in Travel Basics. All participating advisors will receive a certificate upon completion, the Travel Basics Advisor Guide and Related Learning Addendum, while host agency owners and managers receive the latter document as well as the Travel Basics Owner/Manager Guide. These materials include objectives and skills, suggested completion time, hands-on learning opportunities, discussion topics and related learning courses.
An additional offering in the Virtuoso professional development portfolio, recommended to new advisors who have completed Travel Basics, is the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor (VCTA) program. VCTA provides new advisors the opportunity to take their businesses to the next level by establishing a solid career path in the luxury travel market segment. Through a comprehensive curriculum designed to build, apply and reinforce knowledge. VCTA includes 10 hours of coursework prior to training and six months of follow-up coaching and personal communication.
For more information, visit virtuoso.com.
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