The Travel Institute Hosts Annual ‘TRIP of a Lifetime’ Promotion
by Daine Taylor /The Travel Institute’s annual “TRIP of a Lifetime” promotion, designed to help new travel professionals, is currently underway. This year, the package features a 40% savings on tuition on its TRIPKit introductory training course bundle, as well as automatic enrollment in the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) exam after completing the course.
“TRIPKit and TAP are fundamental to graduating from our program,” said Florence Brethome, CTIE, manager of leisure talent development, TravelStore, in Los Angeles. She uses TRIPKit with TravelStore’s Leisure Mentoring & Training program, and explained that the TravelStore uses the course to ensure new agents acquire the knowledge that is critical to their role, while the TAP test validates their progress. “[Using TRIPKit and TAP], we can supervise their understanding of their new role as travel advisors, address any challenges, and most importantly, reward their successes,” said Brethome.
During the limited-time offer, students can save nearly $150 on the TRIPKit comprehensive curriculum package. Along with the TAP final exam, the self-guided course includes two college-level textbooks and related workbooks, plus an extensive online learning component focused on real-world, real-work experiences and information on industry technology, marketing and more.
“Since The Travel Institute’s inception, our singular goal has been to advance the industry, one professional at a time. TRIPKit strengthens the professional foundation for new and less experienced agents by giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to be successful in our complicated industry,” said Diane Petras, CTIE, president, The Travel Institute.
With online and print components, the course is used by individuals studying independently, agency owners and managers training new staff, and post-secondary vocational institutions teaching travel-related curriculum. The promotion also includes content distributed via a dedicated webpage, webinars, and other targeted communications.
“Anyone can become a travel agent, no experience necessary,” Petras said. “That is what makes our industry so appealing to new agents. At the same time, however, it creates a serious challenge for our industry in terms of sustaining the value of an agent’s role as a critical advisor to consumers. TRIPKit helps transform enthusiasm into enthusiasm with expertise.”
The TAP test, which evaluates a student’s newly attained knowledge and capabilities, is the first industry-recognized qualification for many industry newcomers and the baseline testing standard since 1964. A passing score on TAP is also the first step towards advanced travel professional recognition, according to Petras, as graduates showcase their accomplishment with customers and colleagues alike on their way to even greater success.
“The travel industry offers tremendous opportunity to those looking to maximize their career in travel. Our TRIP of a Lifetime promotion makes it easier than ever for our new colleagues to gain the knowledge and tools they need to take advantage of those opportunities,” said Petras.