Build Your Business With Tourism Care’s Training Program
by Jessica Montevago /Photo:
Travel has always been an industry with a heart—and the idea of giving back while on vacation is a burgeoning business. It’s drawn an estimated 10 million people looking to travel with a purpose, spending up to $2 billion dollars a year.
As demand increased, so have options in the marketplace. Tour operators and organizations offer their own itineraries centered on giving back; perhaps the most visible was Carnival’s launch of Fathom, a “social impact” cruise line, this year.
To help travel agents take advantage of what it sees as a growing opportunity for travel professionals, Tourism Cares this week is launching an online training program designed to “bridge the gap in knowledge and support their business,” said CEO Mike Rea, who Monday introduced it to ASTA Global Convention attendees.
Designed to be accessible for busy travel agents, the Good Travels Advisor (GTA) certification takes only about an hour to complete. The multi-media course, available for a $22 contribution to Tourism Cares, incorporates videos, quotes from agents and pictures.
The program doesn’t focus on specific products or suppliers, but rather provides tips and background information, like a guidebook for volunteer tourism. Some tips, for example, focus on how to be a good volunteer and how to find the right cause.
The information, curated from industry experts, can be used by agents to broaden the relationship with their client, Rea told Travel Market Report. “It allows agents to engage and connect with the client. They can ask ‘What do you want for your kids? What would you like to get out of this?’ and follow up with relevant suggestions.” Opening up the dialogue reminds clients of the personal touch a travel professional provides.
The final chapter of Good Travels focuses on using the information clients share to build business. By staying on top of the market trends, agents can become a trusted specialist, bringing in repeat clients and referrals.
After completing the course, agents will have access to the graduate center where they can find a downloadable handbook and handouts for clients. They will also be able to stay up to date with newsletters and webinars.
“No matter what we specialize in — cruises, destinations, or activities — all of us need to incorporate giving back into the recommendations we make,” said Keith Waldon of Departure Lounge, an Austin, TX-based travel agency. “It will positively impact destinations and the people who live there. And in the process of hopefully making the world a better place to live, it’ll be good for business.”