Industry Continues to Attract and Train New Agents Ahead of Rebound, The Travel Institute Says

Despite this year’s COVID-19 shutdown, the Travel Institute continues to report high interest in new agent training as the pandemic and economic issues prompt career changes in and outside the industry and as early signs of an industry rebound continue.

Diane Petras, CTIE, president, The Travel Institute, believes those seeking a travel career are using unanticipated downtime during the pandemic to learn the industry, gain necessary skills, and launch their new career ahead of an eventual travel rebound.

Petras pointed to the resurgence of travel agents in recent years as more and more travelers again rely on agents to advise, manage trip details, and assist in mitigating unforeseen travel disruptions or risk.

“While travel has been on hold for many, interest in a travel career is most definitely not,” said Patty Noonan, CTC, director of sales for The Travel Institute. “I am getting inquiries from all walks and stages of life—yoga instructors, teachers, chefs, real estate agents, retired couples and more—all asking about pursuing a flexible business model and career in travel.”

For new agent training, the TRIPKIT self-guided course includes two college-level textbooks and related workbooks, plus an extensive online learning component focused on real-world travel agent experiences, industry technology, marketing, politics, economics, geography, weather, culture events, and a host of other factors that affect travel and tourism. Students take the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP, exam after completing the course.

Recent curriculum updates include easy-to-follow self-study timelines and the newly released 11th edition of the Travel Career Development textbook, along with specialization trends, social media marketing tips, travel insurance guidelines, regulatory security changes, and more.

Catherine Marucci, CTA, used TRIPKIT earlier this year to embark on a travel career after more than 40 years in banking and investments, launching a home-based, independent travel agency, Marucci Travel, with her husband.

“At first we were unsure about a virtual course but we quickly realized TRIPKIT was a robust learning experience. It gave us the foundation to begin our new venture and the confidence to take our next steps,” said Marucci, who now also has advanced certification and designation as an Italy Destination Specialist. “After 24 visits to Italy and decades spent sharing our travel knowledge and experiences informally, we’re now delivering a valuable travel service while enjoying a satisfying career,” she added.

The Travel Institute’s annual TRIP of a Lifetime promotion offers savings of nearly 40% on its TRIPKIT introductory training course bundle.

Advisors are invited to join a complimentary New to the Industry webinar, which overviews new agent education and provides a roadmap for industry success. “It’s simply a matter of time before consumer travel is back,” Noonan said. “If you have a particular interest in or passion for travel, or if you have skills you want to try to apply to a new career, it’s easy and inexpensive to get started. The key is understanding industry basics and day-to-day expectations and then turning that knowledge into a part-time or full-time career.”