The Travel Institute Launches New Air and Tokyo Educational Courses

In response to demand from travel advisors, The Travel Institute has launched two all-new educational courses: Air Travel Immersion and Tokyo Destination Specialist.

Air Travel Immersion

The Air Travel Immersion course is an essential overview of the complex air category. It is designed to elevate advisors above the “what to do” and “how to do” mechanics of traditional global distribution systems and other basic industry training options. Designed with critical insights into the “whys” of high-level air market concepts, the course ensures both leisure and corporate travel advisors have the foundational business logic to guide client recommendations.

“The missed opportunity for many advisors is in treating air as a simple transaction instead of a valuable advisory service,” said Guida Botelho, CTIE, vice president for The Travel Institute. “Too many advisors focus on finding the lowest fare rather than educating clients, designing better itineraries, managing risk, and facilitating a better experience. When agents position themselves as air travel advisors instead of order takers, they build greater trust, justify professional fees, reduce costly mistakes, and create loyal clients—that’s exactly what our Air Immersion course is designed to help them do.” 

Air Immersion features a series of timely, expert-led, interactive lectures to be delivered live Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2026, each including a Q&A session and recorded for ongoing reference. Lecture topics will include Fraud Doesn’t Fly: Protecting Your Agency from Air Ticket Scams; Client Qualification & Strategic Air Itinerary Design; Air Pricing, Booking & Ticketing Mastery; and Risk Management, Client Protection & Disruption Resolution.

In addition, the program includes The Travel Institute’s trademark self-paced learning materials with real-world guidance independent of supplier or agency, a comprehensive overview of air concepts, including macro-level vocabulary, air travel rules, practical job aids, and more.

The Air Immersion program is $155 USD for students registering in August; $175 in September. Students completing Air Travel Immersion earn a Certificate of Completion as demonstration of their new expertise, and certified alumni also earn 5 continuing education units (CEUs).

Destination Specialist: Tokyo

\With travel to Japan breaking tourism records for travelers from both the U.S. and Canada, advisors are seeking Japan specialist information in greater numbers than ever before. The Tokyo Destination Specialist course prepares new and experienced advisors, including those with East Asia experience, to more confidently sell Tokyo with itineraries that go well beyond the simple tourist tracks and common landmarks.

“Tokyo is a truly fascinating, dynamic city where centuries-old temples stand alongside modern-day skyscrapers,” shared Stacey Cabell, CTIE, senior learning and development manager for The Travel Institute. “But what makes Tokyo so special isn’t just its iconic landmarks. It’s the neighborhoods, food culture, hidden gardens, local traditions, and everyday experiences that make each visit unique. This course gives advisors the confidence and destination knowledge to move beyond the guidebook, create more personalized itineraries, and deliver the kind of experiences clients remember long after they return home.”

Empowering advisors to personalize recommendations, confidently respond to questions, and create meaningful, memorable experiences, the online course features The Travel Institute’s characteristic imagery, videos, Advisor Pro Tips, desk reference and more.

Advisors completing the Tokyo Specialist course will:

• Create itineraries including the city’s iconic attractions, key neighborhoods, districts and more, balancing UNESCO World Heritage sites with lesser-known experiences, while also offering memorable day trips to further showcase Japanese culture, history, nature, and attractions found throughout the surrounding region
  
• Prep travelers for a more rewarding visit through an understanding of Japanese customs, etiquette, holidays, festivals, and cultural traditions
  
• Recommend activities that match client interests and budgets for experiences as well as accommodations, dining, and optional experiences
  
• Offer practical guidance on Tokyo’s geography and four distinct seasons, along with passport and visa requirements, airports, immigration, transportation, money matters, and essential travel information

Interested advisors and organizations can learn more via The Travel Institute’s complimentary, online learning session, Japan: Endless Discovery – Japan & Tokyo 101, presented by the Japan National Tourism Organization and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, scheduled for Aug. 26, 2026 at 2 p.m. EDT. 

To earn the Certified Tokyo Travel Specialist designation, students must pass an exam and complete an experiential checklist; certified alumni who earn this certification will also earn 10 continuing education units, or CEUs. The Tokyo course, normally $89 USD, is also available at no charge for Education Hub subscribers.