The Travel Institute Launches Group Travel Course

The Travel Institute has released a new group travel specialist course, citing an increase in demand from advisor to learn more about the niche.

“For advisors, it’s easy math,” said Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education at The Travel Institute. “You can build and sell an itinerary for one traveler or family, or you can build and sell that same itinerary to five, 10, or 20+ more travelers. It’s a great way to increase revenue without proportionally increasing effort and cost – as long as you have the knowledge and skills to be successful.”

Curriculum for the new online course includes:

• Understanding of the basics, benefits, and unique challenges of group bookings;
• Nuances of group categories including cruises, land-based itineraries, and hotels/resorts;
• Strategies for finding groups and best utilizing group leaders;
• Best practices for branding and promoting groups;
• How-to advice for the sales conversation, including the WOW effect, as well as effective communication to manage expectations and ensure traveler satisfaction;
• Tips on creating a business and marketing plan to grow and support group sales efforts; and
• Considerations for costing and pricing, including sample language for terms and conditions, and other supplemental resources.

“Agents are attracted to the efficiency of the revenue model but they also need very specific knowledge and skills to take advantage of that opportunity,” Botelho added. “This course offers agents the nuts and bolts of group travel, along with insight into the softer skills and subtleties that can make all the difference for an agent’s success.”

The course, which has been under development since early 2023, is sponsored by ALG Vacations and Oceania Cruises.

To graduate from the Group Travel Specialist course, students will need to pass their online, proctored exam, and submit an experiential check list. Graduates will earn standing as a Certified Group Travel Specialist, as well as 10 continuing education units (CEUs) toward maintaining active certification as a CTA, CTC, or CTIE.