What: The Travel Institute Is Seeing Increased Attendance for Introductory Webinars
The Travel Institute, a travel industry nonprofit education and certification platform, is seeing a 78% spike in interest in introductory webinars for new travel agents, according to 2022 year-to-date figures (when compared to pre-pandemic webinar attendance in 2019). This increased interest in travel industry training correlates with recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Outlook figures that estimate the profession will grow 20% between 2021 and 2031.
Why It Matters: Newer Travel Agents Are Realizing the Potential of a Lucrative Travel Advising Career
A predicted $1.05 trillion will be spent on travel in the United States this year (up from $886 billion in 2021, according to the U.S. Travel Association), and prospective employees are beginning to realize the potential of travel advising as a viable career option.
Although the travel industry has not regulated or standardized education within the travel advisor profession, those who commit to forming a solid foundation of skills early on in their career are setting themselves up for success. At the same time, this news reflects an evolving consumer mindset: After the perils of the pandemic, more travelers are seeking out the expert opinion of an advisor, rather than planning travel on their own.
Fast Facts: The Travel Institute’s Resources Range from Complimentary Webinars to Detailed Courses
- The Travel Institute is currently offering a complimentary New to the Industry webinar, which includes an overview of new agent education and a roadmap for industry success.
- In addition to the introductory webinars, The Travel Institute’s TripKit program (an introductory training course) is also experiencing increased enrollment across various segments, including colleges, partner agencies and individuals. The Travel Institute also offers complimentary coaching webinars, advice on travel industry careers and more.
- TripKit includes 19 interactive modules and is self-passed. Its curriculum highlights areas including real-world experiences, industry terms and an overview of how to book various packages and services. There are also lessons on interpersonal communication skills, sales and marketing best practices, geography and more.
What They Are Saying: The Travel Institute Aims to Advance Travel Professionals and Ensure a Foundational Industry Education
“Individuals at all stages and walks of life continue to recognize the opportunity to join the travel industry and to set themselves up for success with the right educational foundation when they do it,” said Diane Petras, CTIE, president of The Travel Institute. “To accommodate increased interest, The Travel Institute increased the number of live webinars available each month while also adding an on-demand option.”
“Frontline agents are the face of our industry,” said Guida Botelho, CTIE, director of education for The Travel Institute. “For the consumer, travel agents facilitate their dream experience, or they don’t. Our singular mission is to advance travel professionals for travelers, for individual agents and for the industry at large. For industry newcomers, we ensure the broad-based, foundational industry education and confidence they need to be successful from the start.”
