Avoya Travel has launched a training program, Travel Agent Education Powered by Avoya, designed for new-to-the-industry travel advisors.
The program is online and self-paced, and it was launched in partnership with the Travel Institute. It covers topics including an overview of the industry, geography, destination and cultural education, how to use technology and marketing resources, what goes into making a sale. More content is forthcoming, as well.
The course, Avoya said, was designed to help those looking for opportunities as independent contractors in travel and to help meet the increased consumer need for travel advisors.
"Now more than ever, professional and knowledgeable travel agents are in high demand," Steve Hirshan, Avoya's senior vice president of sales, said in a release. He called Travel Agent Education Powered by Avoya "a true game-changer for those seeking a successful career in travel."
Free CLIA and ASTA memberships
The program is open to anyone looking to start their own agency, or those looking for a more formal education on the industry.
Those who finish the course will earn free registration for the Travel Institute's Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) exam. Those who both complete the course and pass their TAP exam will get free memberships to CLIA and ASTA.
Through Dec. 31, enrollment in the program is $649, a $200 discount off the normal rate. Those who complete the course do not have to affiliate with Avoya upon completion, but if they do, graduates will receive $100 off their affiliation fee.