New Travel Agent Certification Course From Conde Nast Traveler

Sep 13, 2014

What:
In partnership with Royal Caribbean International (RCI), Conde Nast Traveler will debut the new Conde Nast Traveler Institute on Sept. 18, a free certification program for travel agents who sell cruises.

Why It Matters:
Travel agents who complete the four-part course will receive a Conde Nast Traveler Institute seal that can be used on their own marketing materials, a certificate of completion and invitations to exclusive events with Conde Nast Traveler and RCI. Each of the segments will be led by recognized lifestyle and travel experts and will focus on important cruising touch points. For example, Lyss Stern, founder of Divalysscious Moms, will offer insights on family cruising, and celebrity event planner Mary Giuliani will talk about adding style to meetings and events.

Fast Facts:
- Other lifestyle and travel experts hosting program segments are New Orleans-born chef David Guas and Conde Nast Traveler contributing editor Mark Ellwood. Gaus will focus on how to prepare menus at home and while cruising. Ellwood will discuss world travel and how a ship can be a destination unto itself.

- The Conde Nast Traveler Institute is another example of RCI’s “Loyal to You Always” commitment to travel agents. Through top-notch programming, RCI aims to help agents sell cruises more effectively, thereby increasing their profits and growing their business.

What They Are Saying:
“This is a ground-breaking moment for Conde Nast Traveler,” said Bill Wackerman, executive vice president and publishing director for the magazine. “We are proud to be extending our brand into an industry accreditation program that adds distinction to the travel service industry and value to the consumer. We are thrilled to have Royal Caribbean as our launch partner for this exciting program.”

“We are delighted to work with Conde Nast Traveler to create an informative series to help our valued travel agent partners sell more cruises and grow their businesses,” said Vicki Freed, RCI international senior vice president of sales, trade support and service. “The Conde Nast Traveler Institute will help provide enriching and engaging content to travel agents from the authority in premiere travel.”