Annual event honors CTA, CTC and CTIE graduates with special programming, resources and prizes
The Travel Institute will celebrate its community of more than 31,500 certified graduates during its second annual Alumni Celebration Week, Nov. 9-13, 2026. The week features a lineup of expert-led learning sessions, alumni-only resources and special giveaways — including the chance to win cruise vacations from AmaWaterways, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean by completing the Alumni Cruise Drawing Entry Form.
Alumni Celebration Week is dedicated to highlighting graduates who have earned the Certified Travel Associate (CTA®), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC®) and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE®) designations from The Travel Institute, the gold standard in travel advisor certification. Through continuing education and professional development resources, The Travel Institute supports advisors at every stage of their careers.
“Alumni Celebration Week honors our certified advisors’ commitment to growing professionally, delivering exceptional client service, strengthening supplier relationships and building successful businesses — all of which benefit the broader travel industry,” said Taylor Ruecking, president of The Travel Institute. “Many industry leaders and top advisors credit our education programs with helping them succeed. Alumni Celebration Week recognizes these achievements and inspires others in the travel community to discover the value of ongoing professional development.”
Alumni Celebration Week Exclusive Activities and Giveaway Highlights
- Alumni-only PEP Talks, worth two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each
o Nov. 10, 1:00 p.m. EST: “Keeping Them in Your World: Building Clients For Life,” presented by Dana Zificsak, CTIE, founder of Guts Grit Goals and Certified Business Coach.
o Nov. 12, 2:30 p.m. EST: “Host Agency Agreements: Your Guide to an Essential Legal Document,” led by Gunes Hopson, attorney at law, GFH Law PLC, and founder of Luxe Travel by Gunes.
Four winners — two at each PEP Talk — will be selected at random to receive one-year subscriptions to The Travel Institute’s Education Hub, the ultimate resource for ongoing learning and professional development. Each subscription is valued at $199.
- Alumni-Exclusive Resources
o How the “Let Them” Theory Can Lead a Travel Business to Success: A white paper by Sandi Ferreira, CTIE, senior director, air operations at Andrew Harper.
o AI in Travel: Insights, Trends and Industry Perspectives
- Alumni-Only Cruise Giveaways: Provided by valued industry partners in recognition of the importance of travel advisor education.
Alumni must complete the Alumni Cruise Drawing Entry Form to be eligible to win one of these cruise prizes:
- AmaWaterways: A seven-night luxury river cruise for two on select 2026 or 2027 European sailings.
- Princess Cruises: A balcony stateroom for two on a seven-day Mexican Riviera or seven-day Caribbean cruise. Taxes, fees and port expenses are not included.
- Royal Caribbean: A three- to five-night Caribbean cruise for two on a departure date between December 2026 and December 2027.
“Royal Caribbean is proud to support The Travel Institute’s Alumni Celebration Week and recognize travel professionals who have invested in their careers by earning industry certification,” said Vicki Freed, CTC, senior vice president, sales and trade relations at Royal Caribbean. “As a graduate of The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Counselor program, I understand firsthand the value of comprehensive industry education and ongoing professional development. Their programs equip advisors with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. We applaud The Travel Institute for championing educational excellence and are proud to join in celebrating the accomplishments of its graduates.”
Get Ready for Alumni Celebration Week, Nov. 9-13, 2026
Certified graduates are encouraged to follow The Travel Institute’s communications and social media channels for event announcements.
Alumni Celebration Week also offers the opportunity to pay it forward with a donation to The Travel Institute Scholarship Fund.
Learn more about The Travel Institute and its award-winning education and certification programs.
