The Value of Certification: What Do Your Peers Say?

July 16, 2024

Part one of a two-part series.

Today’s travelers realize they need an educated professional to be their navigator. Advanced education through The Travel Institute ensures that (1) you have the skills, accomplishments, and experience needed to succeed as a travel professional, and (2) you can easily showcase your expertise to others.

So, how do you gain this coveted status? The first step is to earn your CTA^®, CTC^®, or CTIE^® credentials. To help you, The Travel Institute is offering our 11th Annual Promote Your Professionalism 50% scholarship campaign only through July. Scholarship funds are limited, so apply today.
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But you don’t have to take our word for it. We have found that there is no better teacher than a student! Our graduates often describe our certification programs as the most valuable and practical education they receive within the travel industry. Today, we want to share their thoughts with you!

As a graduate of The Travel Institute, you show the world that:

You are 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 are 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, CTC Krayton Travel

You are invested in your profession.

Knowledge is power and builds confidence. There’s no better way to supercharge your credibility than investing in your profession by earning your accreditation from The Travel Institute. Whether it’s your CTA, CTC, or CTIE, when you have this designation behind your name, you instantly show that you are a qualified educated consultant who has “studied” the travel business … and that you mean business!

I’m proudly CTIE certified, and my only regret is that I didn’t do it earlier in my career. Please don’t wait. Let The Travel Institute certification be your superpower!—Laurie Bohn-Isaure, CTIE, Silversea Cruises
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, CTC Memorable Times

You 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

Now that you’ve seen some of the answers our grads have given, the question is:

Are you ready to grow your client list, sell more and earn more?

Enroll in the CTA program now and propel your career to the next level.