Online Boot Camp Focuses on Africa Travel

TRAINING
Africa Group Launches Six-Week Course for Agents
The International Association for Travel to Africa is offering a six-week boot camp to help travel consultants better understand travel to Africa and attract new clients to the market. The program includes sample responses to typical client questions; detailed information on Safaris, cultures and customs, and background on Africa. Agents can listen to the program either by phone or computer. Each course is recorded and is available on demand.

Marriott Offers Agent Prizes to Promote Its Updated Training
Marriott International has updated its training program and is offering agents a chance to win prizes for completing its revised program. The lodging company added its newest brands to its Hotel Excellence! training program. This includes information on AC Hotels, Autograph Collection, EDITION and Gaylord Hotels and on new brand categories. To promote the program, Marriott is giving away prizes twice a month through June 14 to agents who take the training for the first time and to existing members who take the updated training module. The prizes consist of gift bags that include Marriott gift cards.

Outrigger Debuts Fiji Learning Course With Cash Prize
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has launched a travel agent learning course that provides details on its Fiji resort Outrigger on the Lagoon. Through April 4, agents who complete the course will be entered to win a $50 cash prize. Outrigger Hospitality Specialists will earn 100 specialist reward points.

Ghana Fam Planned for October
The International Association for Travel to Africa is planning an agent fam trip to Ghana for Oct. 10 to 17. Pre- and post-trip extensions are available. The trip price is costs $1,395 for agents, and $1,269 for IAFTTA members.

Trafalgar Hosts Western Canada Webinar

Trafalgar, in conjunction with Tourism BC and Rocky Mountaineer, will host a live agent webinar with information on travel to Western Canada at noon PST on Feb. 26. RSVP here.

TOOLS
New UStiA YouTube Channel Touts Insurance Benefits
The U.S. Travel Insurance Association has launched a new YouTube Channel to help agents educate clients about the importance of travel insurance for illness or injury. The new channel, called “When Travel Medical Disaster Strikes: Saving Travelers’ Lives,” looks at the world of medical evacuations from travel destinations. Included are interviews with medical personnel and stories of travelers whose lives were saved due to having travel insurance.

Botswana Travel Launches Agent Search Tool for Consumers
Botswana Tourism has launched a tool to help consumers connect with travel advisors and tour operators. Users can search by criteria, including type of travel and budget to find a match for their travel preferences.