CLIA and The Travel Institute Form New Partnership

Mar 13, 2016

What:
The Travel Institute and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have announced a partnership that promises to benefit certified travel agents with new initiatives in 2016 and beyond.

Why It Matters:
This partnership not only combines the certification and training advantages offered by two organizations that have long supported the travel agent community, but also adds several new benefits for members. Recent graduates of CLIA and The Travel Institute’s programs (from Jan. 1, 2015, to the present) now have even more professional development benefits, such as three months of free membership at The Travel Institute, continuing education credits to use with CLIA and two free classes through CLIA. Additional initiatives for 2016 are in the works, including an agents-only leadership-skills webinar through The Travel Institute.

Fast Facts:
- Recent graduates of CLIA’s Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) and Master Cruise Counselor (MCC) programs will earn three free months of basic membership with The Travel Institute.

- Recent graduates of The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) and Certified Industry Travel Executive (CITE) who also enroll in CLIA’s ACC or MCC programs will get 10 continuing education credits (CEUs) toward The Travel Institute’s annual CEU requirement, plus two free classes from CLIA offered twice per year.

- CLIA is offering 10 credits for CTA recent graduates toward CLIA’s ACC and 10 credits toward MCC for CTC or CTIE recent graduates.

- The new webinar offered by The Travel Institute will be released in the second quarter of 2016 and will inspire agents to “Learn. Lead. Innovate.”

What They Are Saying:
“Partnering with The Travel Institute is a natural fit for our two organizations,” said Cindy D’Aoust, acting CEO for CLIA. “As two of the leading professional development organizations in the travel industry, we share a common goal of supporting travel professionals by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. I’m looking forward to seeing the great work we can accomplish together in the future.”

“The partnership is particularly timely given our recent announcement that proclaims 2016 as The Year of the Travel Professional,” said Diane Petras, CMP, CTIE and chief operating officer for The Travel Institute. “This year-long focus will clearly differentiate the dedicated travel professional from the travel hobbyist, and we’re delighted to have CLIA as a partner and ambassador behind this campaign.”