New Curricula Driven by Advisor Requests and Industry Trends
The Travel Institute, the global leader in travel industry education and a non-profit organization, has launched two all-new educational learning opportunities:
- Air Travel Immersion: An essential overview of the ever-complex air category, advisors will build confidence and make smarter booking decisions from understanding terminology, qualifying clients and designing itineraries to understanding fares, handling travel disruptions and more.
- Tokyo Destination Specialist: Helping advisors move past guidebooks with deeper destination knowledge, local insight and cultural context, advisors will learn how to create customized itineraries and personal experiences for high-demand Tokyo and beyond.
Air Travel: A Macro-view of the Ever-Complex Market
Developed in response to frequent advisor requests, The Travel Institute’s new Air Travel Immersion Program elevates advisors above the “what-to-do” and “how-to-do” mechanics of traditional global distribution systems and other basic industry training options. Designed with deep critical insight on the broader “whys” for high-level air market concepts, the course ensures both leisure and corporate travel advisors have foundational business logic to guide daily decision making and client recommendations.
“The missed opportunity for many advisors is in treating air as a simple transaction instead of a valuable advisory service,” emphasized Guida Botelho, CTIE, vice president for The Travel Institute. “Too many advisors focus on finding the lowest fare rather than educating clients, designing better itineraries, managing risk, and facilitating a better experience. When agents position themselves as air travel advisors instead of order takers, they build greater trust, justify professional fees, reduce costly mistakes, and create loyal clients—that’s exactly what our Air Immersion course is designed to help them do.”
A departure from the education leader’s typical framework for learning, Air Immersion leans into a series of timely, expert-led, interactive lectures to be delivered live September 28-October 1, each including a Q&A session and recorded for ongoing reference. Lecture topics include Fraud Doesn’t Fly: Protecting Your Agency from Air Ticket Scams; Client Qualification & Strategic Air Itinerary Design; Air Pricing, Booking & Ticketing Mastery; and Risk Management, Client Protection & Disruption Resolution. In addition, the program includes The Travel Institute’s trademark self-paced learning materials with real-world guidance independent of supplier or agency, a comprehensive overview of air concepts, including macro-level vocabulary, air travel rules, practical job aids, and more. “Think 10,000 feet vs. in the weeds,” Botelho explained. “Think system agnostic, universal air booking fundamentals vs. system-specific syntax; ‘why’ policies and fare classes vs. ‘how-to’ commands; and commercial confidence and problem-solving skills vs. technical ticketing and software know-how. The learning will be useful every single day with every single client whether leisure or corporate,” Botelho asserted.
Tokyo: A Timely Opportunity amid Rising Demand
Travel to Japan is breaking tourism records for travelers from both Canada and the U.S., spiking more than 40% annually over the last two years,1 yet many advisors have minimal knowledge and few options for learning to meet the need, which has been driven by direct flight options, a weak Yen and demand for international travel. The first of its kind for North American travel advisors, the Tokyo Destination Specialist course prepares new and experienced advisors, including those with East Asia experience, to more confidently sell Tokyo with intriguing itineraries well beyond guidebooks offering simple tourist tracks and common landmarks.
“Tokyo is a truly fascinating, dynamic city where centuries-old temples stand alongside modern-day skyscrapers,” shared Stacey Cabell, CTIE, senior learning and development manager for The Travel Institute. “But what makes Tokyo so special isn’t just its iconic landmarks. It’s the neighborhoods, food culture, hidden gardens, local traditions, and everyday experiences that make each visit unique. This course gives advisors the confidence and destination knowledge to move beyond the guidebook, create more personalized itineraries, and deliver the kind of experiences clients remember long after they return home.”
Empowering advisors to personalize recommendations, confidently respond to questions, and create meaningful, memorable experiences, the online course features The Travel Institute’s characteristic imagery, videos, Advisor Pro Tips, desk reference and more. Advisors completing the Tokyo Specialist course will:
- Create itineraries including the city’s iconic attractions, key neighborhoods, districts and more, balancing UNESCO World Heritage sites with lesser-known experiences, while also offering memorable day trips to further showcase Japanese culture, history, nature, and attractions found throughout the surrounding region
- Prep travelers for a more rewarding visit through an understanding of Japanese customs, etiquette, holidays, festivals, and cultural traditions
- Recommend activities that match client interests and budgets for experiences as well as accommodations, dining, and optional experiences
- Offer practical guidance on Tokyo’s geography and four distinct seasons, along with passport and visa requirements, airports, immigration, transportation, money matters, and essential travel information
Interested advisors and organizations can learn more via The Travel Institute’s complimentary, online learning session, Japan: Endless Discovery – Japan & Tokyo 101, presented by the Japan National Tourism Organization and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, scheduled for August 26 at 2 PM EDT.
Potential quote from Japanese and Tokyo contacts, a sponsor, or external reviewer.
“Tokyo is a destination where ancient traditions and modern innovation exist in perfect harmony. This new course empowers travel professionals with the destination knowledge, cultural insights, and practical expertise needed to confidently inspire clients and create unforgettable journeys to Japan’s iconic capital,” Manny Lopez, program manager, branch operations, Travel Training Center for Auto Club Enterprises, ACE, the largest group of AAA Clubs.
The Air Immersion program is $155 USD for students registering in August; $175 in September. Students completing Air Travel Immersion earn a Certificate of Completion as demonstration of their new expertise, and certified alumni also earn 5 CEUS. To earn the Certified Tokyo Travel Specialist designation, a key marketing tool in demonstrating advisor expertise, students pass an exam and complete an experiential checklist; certified alumni who earn this certification will also earn 10 continuing education units, or CEUs. The Tokyo course, normally $89 USD, is also available at no charge for Education Hub subscribers. Learn more at The Travel Institute.
