At the heart of The Travel Institute lies a bold mission:
To empower our students through education and to cultivate a community of knowledgeable, ethical, and passionate travel professionals committed to excellence, innovation, and service.
Our Alumni Spotlight series is the perfect lens through which that mission comes to life—focusing on graduates who’ve transformed their training into thriving, values-driven careers that elevate the travel industry. We regularly feature a certified professional whose journey proves that standards matter, certification raises the bar, and ongoing engagement fuels long-term success.
Among the many inspiring professionals featured, Wendy Burk, CTIE, Alex Pinelo, CTIE, and Susan Plummer, CTA, stand out as shining examples of leadership, integrity, and passion in action.
Wendy, CEO of Cadence, credits her certification with sharpening her leadership skills and building a culture rooted in mentorship and service. Her journey demonstrates how professional education can spark transformation—not just for the individual but for every team she leads.
Alex, a respected senior executive in the cruise industry, uses his certification as a cornerstone of credibility and influence. His story underscores how lifelong learning and adherence to professional standards can ripple across entire organizations, inspiring others to elevate their game.
And Susan, a seasoned travel advisor and small-business owner, exemplifies how certification empowers confidence, credibility, and client trust. Her commitment to professionalism and personal growth shows how even one advisor’s pursuit of excellence can create lasting impact within a community and beyond.
These stories reinforce a powerful truth: when professionals earn a CTA®, CTC®, or CTIE® designation, they carry more than a credential—they carry trust, distinction, and pride in a shared community that values service, innovation, and ethical practice.
We invite ALL of our CTA, CTC, and CTIE certified alumni—Suppliers & Advisors alike—to join us in celebrating ALUMNI WEEK! Attend exclusive PEP Talk sessions, access a FREE peer-to-peer white paper, and, of course, participate in our social media alumni daily trivia game for a chance to win from one of our incredible partners—AmaWaterways, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea Cruises!
Through every spotlight we publish and every alum we celebrate, The Travel Institute continues to illuminate the strength, heart, and professionalism that define our community—and the bright future we’re building together.
A message from your Travel Institute coaches:
If you currently are working on your CTA, CTC, or CTIE certification, we hope this inspires you to finish your studies and join this elite group of professionals!
Not yet certified? We encourage you to explore the CTA, CTC, and CTIE programs and choose the one that best supports your career goals.
