Training programs for travel agents—it’s vital to help your business and to help your bottom line. Here are two new travel agent training programs to consider.
Cruise Planners has announced a new advanced training program to expand support for its network of travel advisors. Now all Cruise Planners franchisees can access MBA-level online courses to enhance their service through Cruise Planners University.
“The travel industry today is fast-moving with constant new trends, means and modes to consider. Our new online MBA courses address this change and offer agents the opportunity to grow their businesses, learn new and advanced tools of trade and remain ahead of the competition in the ever-evolving travel marketplace,” says Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative.
As part of the Certified Cruise Planners Expert Degree, which is an accreditation and recognized by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), more than 20 MBA-level courses are available. Courses are taught by expert travel industry professionals and leading Cruise Planners agents, and cover a variety of skill sets important for travel advisors to remain competitive. Some of these classes include marketing plans that incorporate traditional and new media tactics; public relations and earned media endorsements; database management and quality leads; social media strategy including advertising, promotions, and media outreach; leveraging cruise line promotions and fund raising travel groups; as well as tips and life lessons from top Cruise Planners agents.
The Cruise Planners team is also pursuing to offer a PhD program in the future. For more information, visit cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Viking Cruises’ Travel Agent Academy teaches agents about the profitability of river cruising; how Viking differs from the competition; how you can increase your profits with customizable marketing tools; and how to develop a successful marketing plan. Once completing the seven courses, agents will earn the title of Viking Master Cruise Expert.
“Through Viking Travel Agent Academy, we provide travel agents with the very latest about the world’s finest river cruise experience,” says Michele Saegesser, Viking’s vice president of sales, the Americas.
An extra perk for agents—once you have passed the first three courses, you can earn extra commission. For more information, visit vikingrivercruises.com/agents.
