Tourism Cares Launches Training In Philanthropic Travel
by Cheryl Rosen /Tourism Cares wants to "create a cadre of travel agents who are specialists in giving back.” Photo: Facebook.
Tourism Cares is debuting a unique training program designed to help travel professionals sell activities that give back to local communities.
The Good Travels Advisor Certificate program “will be the first-ever certificate around giving and volunteering for travel agents,” said Tourism Cares CEO Mike Rea, offering training on how to have a discussion with clients headed to Africa or Southeast Asia about adding a charitable element to their vacations.
Rea told TMR that aid the idea for the program came last year, following a PhocusWright research report into the interest of Millennials and affluent travelers in philanthropic tourism; the launch of Carnival’s Fathom brand; and his own research into the business practices of financial advisors, who have found that clients who engage in philanthropic activities in partnership with an advisor are more loyal customers. “We want to create a cadre of travel agents who are specialists in giving back,” Rea said.
The program charges a $22 fee; “it is accessible but also has a real value associated with it,” Rea said.
He hopes in the next year to train 2,000-3,000 travel professionals.