The Travel Institute Launches 13th Annual ‘Promote Your Professionalism’ Campaign
by Dori Saltzman
The Travel Institute has launched its 13th annual Promote Your Professionalism – or PYP – campaign, running now through July. The month-long initiative provides travel advisors, agency owners, and suppliers with access to 50% scholarship funds across its flagship, three-tier certification program (CTA, CTC, and CTIE).
“Passion may get you into the travel industry, but comprehensive education sustains a thriving career,” asserted Guida Botelho, CTIE, vice president of The Travel Institute. “Whether you are a frontline advisor aiming for your CTA, a manager leveling up to a CTC, or an executive completing your CTIE, certification through The Travel Institute is not only a strategic necessity; it’s also the proven baseline of excellence necessary to maintain industry stability and consumer trust.”
“When agency owners, supplier partners, and executive leaders invest in education, we’re not just developing individual advisors; we’re strengthening the credibility and professionalism of the entire industry. That matters for all of us,” said Andrew Davis, CTIE, CMP, president and COO, MAST Travel Network, which has a long-standing commitment to education. “Certification through The Travel Institute isn’t a ‘nice to have.’ It’s how we demonstrate to consumers that this industry takes itself seriously and that their trust is worth protecting.”
Active certified graduates also benefit from:
- enhanced digital credentials to showcase verified credentials on social media, email signatures, websites and more;
- an optional consumer-facing directory for front-line agents and searchable by location, specialized expertise, language, contact information and other advisor-dictated details;
- advanced SEO and other marketing tools to help consumers and colleagues locate certified graduates; and
- exclusive alumni benefits including supplier offers, continued educational opportunities such as invite-only online learning lectures, and other resources.
Since its inception, the annual PYP Campaign has awarded 5,500 scholarships, including more than 600 in 2025, and totaling nearly $1.5 million in savings. Donors and partnerships for 2026 include AmaWaterways, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
To apply for a PYP scholarship, valued at $299, individuals must complete The Travel Institute’s scholarship application, available through the end of July.
Supplementing PYP scholarships are free online presentations to further develop agent professionalism, such as the upcoming Delivering the Wow; Lessons from Industry Legend Richard Fain—a certified alumni-exclusive event; as well as Leading for Growth: How to Develop High-Performing Travel Advisors; Defining Your Non-Negotiable Boundaries in Business; and Japan: Endless Discovery – Japan & Tokyo 101, and more.
