Travel Institute Launches New CTA Program for Frontline Advisors

The Travel Institute today launched a new comprehensive certification program that includes updated and expanded content better suited for today’s travel agent, a revised curriculum and an online format that the organization feels will be more engaging to its members.

Chief among the changes, the CTA Program will now feature 15 required courses, compared to the original syllabus of eight core courses and four electives. The courses include new modules, such as Netiquette, and a substantial overhaul of the Business Ethics, Art of Listening and Communicating programs.

“Today’s agency environment and what’s required of a travel professional are so different from what it was a decade ago – even just a couple years ago,” said Diane Petras, CTIE, chief operating officer of The Travel Institute. She called the upgrades “one of our flagship initiatives” for 2017.

The software will be “more user-friendly,” said Guida Botelho, CTA, director of training, including more interactive quizzes, and allow for the learner to print the materials. In a later edition, the Travel Institute will be able to add other content, like audio and video, through live links.

Pre- and post-quizzes are also included in each module to help learners determine their level of knowledge of the respective topic, and Botelho said there are more comprehensive exercises for learners to step out of the curriculum and apply their knowledge in real situations.

Before its release, the new course was “test driven” by travel professionals representing diverse levels of experience.

The new CTA Program is divided into two categories: “Professional Skills Modules” includes Business Ethics, Business Writing Skills, Customer-Focused Selling, Customer Service, The Art of Listening and Communicating, Teamwork, Time Management, and Understanding Customer Needs. “Practical Skills Modules” includes How to Prevent Credit Card Fraud, Planning Itineraries, Selling All-Inclusive Resorts, Selling Escorted Vacations, Selling Special Interest Travel, Touring the World, and Travel Insurance.

To achieve CTA certification, students must pass the proctor-administered exam (50 multiple choice and 5 short essay questions) with a grade of 70 or higher. Participants have 12 months to complete their studies and take the final exam. A virtual study workshop will be offered at an additional cost.

Tuition for the online program is $399, including all online materials and testing fee. A payment plan for the online version is also available for $33.25 monthly, plus a $25 non-refundable administration fee. Tuition for the self-paced print program is $499, including all printed materials and testing fee. The print option also includes access to the complete online version.