There’s a buzz in the travel industry today as The Travel Institute kicks off its 11th Annual Promote Your Professionalism (PYP) campaign. Running through July, this beloved event aims to shine a light on the immense value of travel professional education and offers an incredible opportunity for all industry professionals—from travel agents and agency owners to suppliers—to access scholarship funds across its renowned 3-tier certification program, including its CTA®, CTC®, and CTIE® designations.
“For 60 years, our graduates have demonstrated that certification from The Travel Institute truly matters for industry success,” attests Diane Petras, CTIE, president of The Travel Institute. “Whether they go through the CTA, CTC, or CTIE program—or all three at different career stages—our graduates gain both useful travel knowledge and practical business skills that contribute to their success every single day,” she continues.
A Legacy of Excellence
A trusted leader in travel education since 1964, The Travel Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing top-tier, affordable education for travel professionals regardless of agency affiliation or preferred suppliers. Holding the industry’s gold standard for educational excellence, they’ve awarded nearly 5,000 students endowed scholarships, totaling over $1M USD in value since the inception of the PYP campaign a decade ago. Many renowned front-line agents, agency owners, suppliers, and industry leaders recognize their professional success owes much to certifications from The Travel Institute.
Scholarship Opportunities Abound
Applying for a PYP scholarship, valued at $299 USD, is straightforward. Individuals need to complete The Travel Institute’s scholarship form now available through the end of July. Choose from the Certified Travel Associate (CTA®), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC®), or Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE®) programs, each tailored to different career stages and experience levels.
“The Travel Institute’s educational programs are essential for travel advisors aiming to elevate their expertise and service quality. Their rigorous and up-to-date curriculum ensures advisors are well-versed in the latest industry trends, tools, and best practices, enhancing their ability to create exceptional travel experiences and significantly boosting professional credibility,” says Angela Hughes, CTC, owner and president at Trips and Ships Luxury Travel, and a recent Top Influencer award winner from Travel Leaders Network. “Committing to continuous education with The Travel Institute is a strategic move that fosters growth, innovation, and sustained success. It’s an investment in one’s career and the future success of their travel business,” Hughes adds, now working towards her CTIE.
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
Certification programs at The Travel Institute are built on a foundation of practical applications and insights from seasoned industry executives. Interactive, e-Learning platforms enhance comprehension and retention, while online peer groups and trainer coaching provide critical context. Graduates consistently exhibit enhanced personal skills, professional knowledge, and business acumen, which are pivotal elements for career advancement.
Celebrating a Milestone Year
This year, in celebration of The Travel Institute’s 60th anniversary, the campaign highlights certification with personal messages from many of the industry’s most esteemed leaders. Testimonials from recent graduates reflect the transformative impact of these programs:
- “I started the CTA certification to show the travel industry and my clients that I am dedicated to the profession; what I discovered were courses designed to cover topics that helped me grow into a better advisor.”—Scott Wismont, CTA, owner, Rainbow Getaways.
- “After 35 years in the travel industry, I decided it was time I completed my CTA. I worked hard studying all the modules and took away a wealth of knowledge. I especially loved Business Writing! I proudly display my diploma from The Travel Institute.”—Arlene Peddle Gibbons, CTA, The Travel Agent Next Door.
Enhancing Professionalism with Free Webinars
Complementing the certification scholarships during PYP are free online presentations designed to further develop agent professionalism, including:
- July 10, 3 pm EDT: The Dos and Don’ts of Working with Suppliers and Travel Partners; Kim Specht, CTIE, manager, Travel Career Advancement, The Travel Institute
- July 11, 1 pm EDT: Specialization—Finding Your Travel Industry Niche; Patty Noonan, CTC, director of sales, The Travel Institute
- July 29, 1 pm EDT: Transforming Travel: How Advisors Can Create Meaningful and Sustainable Journeys; John Sutherland, senior director of community impact, Tourism Cares
“Simply put, our mission is travel professionals’ success,” underscores Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education for The Travel Institute. “Our certification program was created to elevate industry professionalism and we continue to be the industry’s education cornerstone today, making better business people who are better at serving travelers.”
Support and Sustain the Future
The Travel Institute invites organizations and individuals who have benefitted from scholarships and certification to contribute to ensure continued PYP scholarship funding. Your generous, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) Scholarship Fund donations make possible ongoing educational programming from this invaluable nonprofit organization.
Visit the PYP section of The Travel Institute’s website or attend an upcoming certification webinar to learn more. The journey towards enhancing your travel career begins here!