The Value of Certification, Part One:
What It Tells the World
Part one of a two-part series.
There is no better teacher than a student! So, we recently asked Travel Institute graduates what, to them, was the value of becoming certified in programs like the Certified Travel Associate (CTA®), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC®), or Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE®).
Our alums were happy to oblige! They said certification reflects many aspects about a person. Here are some of the things being certified says:
I’m serious and committed.
- Certification is important to me because it shows I am serious about the travel industry, and I invest in my professional development to provide outstanding service. —Danny Bonilla, CTA Bonilla Vacations
- It shows that you are committed to training and a professional in your field. The material covers so many different aspects of our industry, not just selling trips. —Christine Almeling, CTA TAC Travel
- …The CTIE program has been an amazing journey for me! Working through both the content and the review process, it is clear to me The Travel Institute has both a broad and in-depth understanding of the skills needed to run a successful travel business… Bottom line, I am VERY impressed with the quality and content of The Travel Institute’s CTIE program. It is a must for anyone serious about being a leader in the travel industry! —Patrice Feltes, CTIE Feltes Travel
- Certification helps travelers identify travel professionals who are committed to be the best in the business. It sets you apart in a very positive way. —Mitch Krayton CTA Krayton Travel
I’m invested in my profession.
- I believe certification is one of the absolute best ways to promote YOUR professionalism every single day of the year. Having those three little letters after your name is no small thing. It shows to your current and future clients that you’re invested in yourself, in your brand, and in your expertise. —Vicki Freed, CTC Royal Caribbean International
- My certification is recognized and respected by more people than I thought would know what it means. I believe it has given me a leg up in confirming my level of expertise to potential clients. Also, suppliers take me more seriously when I give them my card at travel shows because they know I have invested in my business. No matter how long you have been in business, there will be information here for you to benefit from by taking this course. Worth every minute and dollar. —Shari Vick, CTA Memorable Times
I value education and professional growth.
- This certification is important to me because I feel you should never stop growing in your area of expertise. I also had a sense of accomplishment after I finished the necessary coursework.” — Mara Sultan, CTA Discover Lancaster
- This journey has taught me that education is a never-ending process. I earned my CTA to increase my general knowledge and credibility in the industry. Certification is only the beginning of the travel agent journey. Earning my CTA demonstrates the seriousness of my professional development to others in the industry and is one step in my devotion to my ongoing education. —Michele Cartwright, CTA Destinations by Design
- Continuing education is an ongoing tool for growth, especially in the travel market with changes occurring by the minute. Having CTA behind my name shows I have established importance in my training and my profession. It shows my clients I take my career as seriously as I do their travel plans. —Sandra Nelson, CTA Travel by Sandra Nelson
