Industry Newcomers’ Foundational Knowledge Remains Critical to Individual and Industry Success
The Travel Institute is offering $100USD, or nearly 23% savings, in tuition assistance for its TRIPKIT SM new agent training program during its annual TRIP of a Lifetime fall drive to encourage unbiased and comprehensive foundational knowledge for industry newcomers.
“Starting a career in travel is rewarding but it can also be overwhelming,” shared Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education for The Travel Institute. “With so much to know in our complex, ever-evolving industry and with so many training options available, TRIPKIT remains the go-to, trusted source for industry newcomers wanting to become truly job ready,” Botelho continued.
Self-paced, TRIPKIT augments student learning with support and engagement tools including expert-led insights from insider sessions with industry experts, online guided curriculum, on-demand coaching, recurring quizzes and automated “just-in-time” TRIPKIT Tracks communications based on individual progress and, ultimately, the industry-recognized TAP Test to evaluate career-readiness.
As the leading education provider in an industry without mandated education, The Travel Institute’s independent and non-profit mission is to provide easily accessed, high-quality, low- and no-cost education to all travel professionals at all stages of their careers, starting with TRIPKIT. In 2023, The Travel Institute’s Changing Face of Travel Agents survey signaled a potential lack of educated agents, reporting that 36% of travel agencies lost experienced staff during the pandemic and that 66% of advisors were planning near-term retirement. In 2024, a survey from TravelSavers1 reported that while 69% of agencies planned to hire, only 7% believed qualified candidates would be easy to find. Recent industry reports indicate the broader industry’s continued concern for developing new talent.
A 2023 Magellan gold award winner, TRIPKIT is also the industry’s longtime recognized gold standard for new agent education, utilized by individuals studying independently, agency owners and managers training new staff, and post-secondary vocational institutions teaching travel-related curriculum. Aligning with record numbers of industry newcomers in recent years, TRIPKIT enrollments peaked over the past two years with an average 51% growth while averaging about 20% growth more broadly year-over-year since 2021.
Scott Wismont, CTIE, founder of Rainbow Getaways Travel Network, says TRIPKIT has been an “incredible foundation” for ensuring his advisors feel equipped and confident as they support him in building a thriving business together. “TRIPKIT gives new advisors not only the practical knowledge to succeed but also the confidence to serve clients with integrity and care,” Wismont said. “New advisors who complete TRIPKIT come to our travel trade better prepared and also reach success faster because they already have a solid understanding of the industry,” he explained.
TAP graduate Melanie Kautzman, who utilized TRIPKIT’s online and print material to launch her travel career, agrees, “highly recommending” the course as “a solid base to learn and grow from,” as she now provides travel services via Destinations by Melanie, LLC. Fellow graduate Jason Watson also endorses TRIPKIT, describing it as “a well-designed, organized, and valuable tool” that has provided him with the solid foundation he needs at Which Way Travel, LLC. Both are now pursuing their Certified Travel Associate,© or CTA, credentials, as part of The Travel Institute’s career path programming, which includes a 3-tier certification program for advanced professionals, as well as on-demand continued education resources and destination and niche specialization coursework, along with TRIPKIT new agent foundational training.
Recent TAP graduates are recognized on The Travel Institute website and those looking for employment are included at Hire Me in support of both new agents seeking employment and those agencies looking for educated new talent. TRIPKIT tuition assistance is available throughout October and is open to both industry newcomers and inexperienced agents. Visit TRIPKIT to learn more about new agent formal training and enroll during October to receive tuition assistance. Lastly, attend a new-to-the-industry webinar to learn more about careers in travel.
The Travel Institute relies on individuals and organizations to support its work to create relevant, meaningful, rigorous and affordable coursework for agents at all career stages. Donate or contact us to learn more about sponsorships in support of agent, traveler, and industry success.
