The Travel Institute has announced its newly updated “North America: A Destination Specialist Course” is now available. The course includes sales tips, along with updated key attractions and activities, historic highlights, seasonal nuances and more for the 10 Canadian provinces and all 50 states in the U.S.
The release of the updated course is particularly timely as North American travel professionals adapt to growing traveler sentiment preferring to vacation closer to home, according to Diane Petras, CTIE, president, The Travel Institute. “Travel professionals have an opportunity to be creative as they balance the need for safety and security with the desire for escape and adventure as only travel offers,” Petras said in a press announcement, adding domestic travel demand is also boosted by current international travel restrictions, interest in seasonal outdoor activities and the recent marketing efforts of tourism groups.
Guida Botelho, CTIE, director of education, The Travel Institute, noted the “tremendous current potential” for domestic travel sales, whether by air, rail or ground transportation. “With 2019 travel spending reports indicating $1.1 trillion in the U.S. (according to the U.S. Travel Association) and $90 billion in Canada (according to The Conference Board of Canada), these two countries clearly offer vast opportunities to satisfy pent-up travel demand. Travel professionals must be ready, willing and able to pivot and support travelers where they want to go,” she said.
Introducing advisors to a wide variety of travel experiences available in the United States and Canada, the North America course overviews each province in Canada and each state in the U.S. with:
- A “Lay of the Land” overview
- Key areas/points of interest
- Arrival/transportation
- Dining
- Local business
- Sales tips and notes
- Additional resources
- Star-Spangled or Maple Leaf Theater (country-dependent)
The revised course is delivered using The Travel Institute’s interactive, e-learning platform. The platform automatically adapts to various screen sizes and orientation, enabling easy transition between desktop, tablet and mobile phone access. Students also benefit from short quizzes at the end of each section to reinforce learning and ensure their readiness to help travelers through the decision-making and itinerary creation process.
Completion of the refreshed course was accelerated earlier this year in anticipation of increased demand for domestic travel. The course is available for single purchase and is also included in The Travel Institute’s Premium Access Lounge, which is available at a special rate throughout August. Students who successfully complete the North America course earn 10 Continuing Education Units, or CEUs, toward maintaining certification from The Travel Institute, as well as standing as a North America Destination Specialist.
Related Articles
Matthew Upchurch on a "Virtual Virtuoso," COVID-19 and More
Uniworld Adds New Travel Advisor Training Programs
Oasis Travel Network Debuts Customizable Website for Members