Lea Diele, CTIE, vice president of education for Travel Leaders Network, was named the 2024 recipient of The Travel Institute’s Educational Excellence Award. This annual award recognizes organizations and individuals demonstrating a significant, ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive education for travel professionals.
The Travel Institute’s president, Diane Petras, CTIE, commended Travel Leaders Network’s “Tiered Learning Path” advisor training program, noting it supports the network’s over 55,000 members throughout their careers. She highlighted the program’s continuous evolution to align with industry needs while maintaining focus on both foundational training and continuing education.
Diele received the award during Travel Leaders Network’s EDGE conference on June 9th in Washington D.C. Travel Leaders Network president Roger E. Block, CTC, praised Diele for developing rigorous, multi-level training programs that equip advisors with practical knowledge to enhance their businesses.
Under Diele’s leadership, virtual training registrations for the “Tiered Learning Path” program have increased approximately 250% since its launch in 2019. The program allows advisors to self-identify their skill level and customize their learning through a mix of in-person and online sessions.
While honored to receive the award, Diele credited her team of five trainers who have a combined 123 years of industry experience. She also recognized Travel Leaders Network’s leadership for their steadfast investment in advisor education.
Travel Leaders Network partners with The Travel Institute to provide advisors with supplemental certification programs and coursework. Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education at The Travel Institute, praised Diele as a role model for internal training initiatives.
The Educational Excellence Award aims to highlight the positive impact of robust educational programs on travel professionals and the industry’s overall professionalism. By celebrating leaders like Diele, who champion advisor training, the award reinforces education’s vital role amid the evolving travel industry.