The Travel Institute accredits on-campus schools in 12 states and online programs available worldwide that satisfy requirements for the organization's professional designations, and in some cases leads to an associate's degree in tourism management. The Resource section includes a link to the list of schools.
Professional credentialing can give a candidate a competitive edge in an employment search, as well as credibility with clients. Travel agents can obtain professional credentialing through the Travel Institute as a The Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Destination Specialist (DS) and Lifestyle Specialist (LS). Seasoned agents with more than five years of industry experience may pursue the Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) designations. Each designation has a TAP test and education requirements.
The Travel Institute recommends entry-level agents invest in their learning library with educational two textbooks about the travel business.
"Travel Career Development"; Patricia J. Gagnon and Shelly M. Houser; 2005 has a bound-in Rand McNally Quick Reference World Atlas and gives information about career opportunities, selling, travel technology, products and services.
"Exploring the World: Geography for the Travel Professional"; Nona Starr; 2005 deals with destination geography and dedicates a chapter each to the eastern U.S., the midwest, western U.S. states and islands, Canada, Bermuda and West Indies, Mexico and Central America, South American and Antarctica, the British Isles, northern Europe, eastern Europe, southern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.
Students may find these books online or contact the institute to purchase the books and their accompanying student workbooks by calling 800-542-4282 extension 142.
Agents who wish to work in a home-based office versus a travel agency may elect for a seven-module home agent training course through the Travel Institute. Students learn how to set up a home business for success, how to book and sell travel, steps to take the business to the next level and how to choose a host agency and agency ID, also called an IATA number. Students can take an optional test for certification upon course completion.
Travel agents who have certification with the Travel Institute as a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) must take 10 or more continuing education courses to maintain their designation. Agents can locate links to approved continuing education programs that include specialist-level courses for certain geographic regions and tourism companies on the Travel Institute website or get further information by calling 800-542-4282 extension 255.