November 16, 2010
Wellesley, MA – The Travel Institute was saddened to learn of the passing of Milton Marks, CTC, on Sunday, November 14, 2010. Milton was one of the founding trustees of the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (now The Travel Institute). He became CEO in 1964 and later served as President and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1988. After his retirement he was elected chairman emeritus.
Throughout his lifetime, Milton received numerous awards for his contribution to the travel industry and his leadership in developing professional education for travel agents and the industry.
Past President Jack Mannix, CTC, reflected, “I am deeply saddened to learn of Milton’s passing. He was a successful businessman but even more importantly, he was incredibly passionate about the travel industry and improving the professionalism of those in it. When I first became President & CEO of the Travel Institute, I visited Milton at his Dayton-area home to really get an intimate feel for the history of the Institute and its mission. He was a gracious host and a true gentleman and I remember leaving there not only marveling at his knowledge of the business and the history of the Institute but also how dear both were to him. We may have lost a pioneer but his legacy will be with us for many, many years to come.”
Matthew Upchurch, CTC, CEO Virtuoso Ltd. wrote, “I was saddened to hear of Milton’s passing. He had a long and distinguished career in travel and made a lasting difference in the respect afforded to those in the travel industry. As a founder of ICTA, now The Travel Institute, Milton made an enormous contribution to promoting education and certification for travel professionals. This has had a direct result on the professionalism and standards that are the standard throughout our industry. Milton was an educator, innovator and a true force for the business of travel. He never hesitated to step up to meet a challenge, and to influence change. He impacted many lives with his devoted efforts on behalf of all travel professionals, and he will be greatly missed.”
The Travel Institute has established a web page in Milton’s memory that can be accessed from www.thetravelinstitute.com. Here you will have an opportunity to share your own comments and memories of Milton.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
July 20, 2010
Wellesley, MA–Passing tests and earning credentials has never been as rewarding as it is this summer at The Travel Institute. From June 1st through the end of August every time someone passes a Travel Institute specialist or certification test they will not only earn a recognized credential but they will earn points that will be redeemed for prizes in September.
Successful test takers will have a chance to win free courses, memberships, or a discount to The Travel Institute annual conference. Travel professionals who earn 3 or 4 points, will be entered into a grand prize drawing for either a river cruise courtesy of Tauck World Discovery or a two-night stay at the new W Fort Lauderdale courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
The Travel Institute will keep track of the points, and after Labor Day post the winners’ names on their website and award the prizes.
“This is a great opportunity for travel professionals to earn that specialist designation or certification they’ve been putting off and gain an edge over their competition that professionalism credentials can provide,” says Patty Noonan, CTC, The Travel Institute’s director of sales. “We’re grateful to Tauck World Discovery and Starwood Hotels & Resorts for recognizing the power of education and contributing valuable prizes.”
To complement the Summer Rewards Program, The Travel Institute is also offering a “Short and Sweet” promotion allowing people to receive a downloadable link to certain courses to help them prepare to take tests before August 31st.
For more information about The Travel Institute’s Summer Rewards Program, please visit www.thetravelinstitute.com/summer or call 800-542-4282.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
May 11, 2010
Wellesley, MA – During its May Membership Month celebration, The Travel Institute has announced new member benefits and special pricing for new members as well as current members who may want to renew early to take advantage of the 25% savings.
Among the new benefits is their updated and redesigned password-protected My Account area of the website. This section will feature a rotating selection of topical White Papers submitted by candidates seeking their CTC or CTIE certification. Also now available free for Travel Institute members in the My Account area is a 45-minute video entitled GoogleMania created by noted author and motivational speaker Nolan Burris. Institute members will be among the first to experience this exciting video.
Other member benefits include a subscription to Conde Nast Traveler magazine, free monthly webinars, a 10% discount on all Travel Institute programs, and a $20 thank you voucher.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
Media Contacts:
Carla Smith, CTA, The Travel Institute
ph: 781.237-0280 ext. 121
csmith@thetravelinstitute.com
Brian T. Mullis, President
Sustainable Travel International
ph: 720-273-2975
brianm@sustainabletravel.com
February 17, 2010
Wellesley, MA – The Travel Institute announced the release of a new Lifestyle Specialist course for travel agents that’s focused on sustainable travel and tourism. This course joins eight other Lifestyle Specialist courses offered by The Travel Institute each one allowing travel professionals to test and earn an industry recognized credential.
The course, sponsored by Virtuoso, was created in partnership with Sustainable Travel International (STI), a non-profit organization that promotes responsible travel and supports sustainable development. This 5-module course teaches travel counselors how to identify the characteristics and benefits of sustainable travel, integrate “green” business practices into their existing business operations, choose travel suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable travel, and explores strategies for practicing sustainable travel and tourism.
“The travel agent community is in a unique position to both service and create demand for sustainable tourism while providing their clients with more authentic and rewarding travel experiences,” explained Brian T. Mullis, president of Sustainable Travel International. “We’re happy to provide them with a distance learning solution that will help them take advantage of the benefits of sustainable tourism.”
“Virtuoso was pleased to support the development of a sustainable travel course in collaboration with The Travel Institute,” says Mindy Exum, managing director of training & professional development at Virtuoso. “Global economists continue to forecast that international tourism is one of the world’s largest growing industries in the world, increasing three to six percent annually depending on location. We want to encourage awareness and the need for everyone in the travel business to take a responsible approach to tourism so that the world’s remaining biologically diverse habitats and indigenous cultures are protected and preserved for generations to come.”
The interactive Sustainable Travel Specialist course is available online in The Travel Institute’s e-Learning Center as well as on disk. To learn more about all The Travel Institute’s Lifestyle Specialist courses, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
About Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development through responsible travel by providing programs that help travelers, businesses and destinations protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and promote economic development. STI is dedicated to taking a holistic approach to addressing sustainable development within the travel and tourism industries by providing solutions-oriented programs that generate tangible results and affect long-lasting change. For more information, visit www.sustainabletravelinternational.org or call (800) 276-7764.
January 11, 2010
Wellesley, MA – The Travel Institute has announced the release of a new Destination Specialist (DS) India course. India joins 11 other destination specialist courses offered by The Travel Institute each one allowing travel professionals to test and earn an industry recognized credential.
The DS India course, written and reviewed by travel industry experts, was sponsored by India Tourism, Oberoi Hotels, Greaves Tours, Cox & Kings, Singapore Airlines, and Make My Trip – India Ahoy, and Govan Travels. It covers the most visited tourist sites, routes and major cities as well as the most popular niche markets.
“In many ways, India is still an undiscovered destination for many travelers and travel counselors,” says Patty Noonan, CTC, director of sales at The Travel Institute. “Enrolling in this course will help give counselors the confidence to sell this destination which is poised for discovery.”
The course is available in print, PDF on disk, or as a downloadable link. All options also include testing. Special introductory pricing is available through January 31 and members save an additional 10%. To learn more about all the Travel Institute’s Destination Specialist courses, please visit www.thetravelinstitute.com.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
December 15, 2009
Wellesley, MA – The Travel Institute concluded its popular annual conference last week in Las Vegas. The conference began with an introduction to Agile Skills Training, a proven system of breaking down large goals into manageable tasks, allowing individuals and companies to adapt their business to the changing needs of customers. It included a presentation, including video case studies, about how travel professionals can more effectively integrate social media in their businesses. The day wrapped up with members of The Travel Institute’s board of directors sharing their top tips for 2010.
The conference was a valuable opportunity for people to network with other travel professionals while learning new skill sets to aid in day-to-day business activities. Attendees commented that they especially like the fact that most Travel Institute courses are valuable for both travel counselors and suppliers.
Several new initiatives were announced at the conference. The Travel Institute launched two new specialist courses: Destination Specialist India and Sustainable Travel Specialist. The DS India course, sponsored by India Tourism, Oberoi Hotels, Govan Travels, Greaves Tours, Cox & Kings, Singapore Airlines, and Make My Trip – India Ahoy, is a comprehensive course about one of the most culturally rich, intriguing and diverse countries in the world. The new Sustainable Travel Specialist course (produced in partnership with Sustainable Travel International and sponsored by Virtuoso) is an interactive online course to help travel agents learn how to integrate “green” into their business operations.
In 2010, The Travel Institute will also be adding new content in its e-learning Center on relevant and timely topics and expanding its resources for home-based agents by offering a new multi-modular course which will include a Travel Institute-administered test resulting in a completion certificate.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
September 29, 2009
Wellesley, MA – IATAN and The Travel Institute recently agreed to a new waiver for one of the requirements for IATAN accreditation.
As of September 15, 2009, all travel professionals who have successfully completed The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program, will receive a waiver on IATAN’s Error and Omissions Insurance requirement. Applicants will need to submit a copy of their CTA certificate to confirm completion.
“We’re pleased to partner with IATAN in recognizing our certified travel agents. This is a perfect example of how earning an industry-recognized certification can bring additional benefits” commented Patty Noonan, CTC, The Travel Institute’s director of sales.
To learn more about IATAN Accreditation Requirements visit www.iatan.org. For more information on The Travel Institute’s CTA program visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call 781-237-0280.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
June 30, 2009
Wellesley, MA – The Travel Institute’s Conference will take place this year in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 1 at The Signature at MGM Grand prior to the Luxury Travel Expo.
This year’s agenda includes valuable Agile Skills Training in the form of a hands-on workshop designed to help all travel professionals achieve their goals by breaking them down into measurable tasks. The unique format will also include a segment on Social Media Best Practices.
“We all need a little agility training after a year of crisis management,” commented Patty Noonan, CTC, director of sales, “but change is coming, and we owe it to ourselves to learn new skills that allow us to be agile in our thinking and actions and take advantage of opportunities that result from change.”
Conference attendees also have the opportunity to take their CTA, CTC, or CTIE certification tests that morning before the conference.
Visit www.thetravelinstitute.com/conference to view the agenda or to register for the Travel Institute Conference. Register before July 15 and receive the early bird rate of $65. Travel Institute members save an additional 10%. More information on speakers will be featured soon on The Travel Institute’s website.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
June 16, 2009
Wellesley, MA – The Travel Institute recently announced a new summer promotion to enable travel professionals to earn their certification more easily. Throughout the summer, people who enroll in CTA, CTC or CTIE can simply pay the test-only fee and receive all the related content free. Candidates can then join The Travel Institute’s free online study groups for a chance to study with their peers and prepare for the test.
“We’re offering this promotion to help travel professionals financially as well as to provide a timeline to help them achieve their certification goals,” says Patty Noonan, CTC, The Travel Institute’s director of sales. “This is a great opportunity for people or companies to stretch their training dollars and get on the fast track to certification.”
“We all need a little agility training after a year of crisis management,” commented Patty Noonan, CTC, director of sales, “but change is coming, and we owe it to ourselves to learn new skills that allow us to be agile in our thinking and actions and take advantage of opportunities that result from change.”
In addition, CTA, CTC and CTIE candidates can arrange to test at THETRADESHOW in September and at the Luxury Travel Expo in December. If they then submit the required paperwork before December 11, their can look forward to starting 2010 as certified professionals.
To learn more about Summer of Certification promotion visit The Travel Institute’s website at www.thetravelinstitute.com/summer or call 781-237-0280.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
June 4, 2009
Wellesley, MA – The Travel Institute has announced a new lineup of executive webinars for July, August and September. The following industry experts and Travel Institute Board members will host the Summer Series: Jack Mannix, CTC, Ensemble Travel Group; Horst Schulze, West Paces Hotel Group; and Gary Pollard, CTC, Ambassador Tours.
“This is a unique opportunity for travel professionals to gain insight from a dynamic trio of presidents and CEOs. We are thrilled that our board members are willing to share their time and expertise. For example, who better to teach about luxury sales than Horst Schulze, who revolutionized the hotel industry with the Ritz-Carlton brand,” commented Patty Noonan, CTC, director of sales.
The Travel Institute offers webinars throughout the year as part of its mission to promote continuing education and professionalism. This executive series reaches new levels as it focuses on sales and service excellence as well as proven strategies to help counselors set themselves apart from the competition.
Travel Institute members can attend all webinars free. Non members can also attend for $14.99 per session, or $34.99 for the three-part series.
Visit www.thetravelinstitute.com for more information on dates and times and to reserve a spot as space is limited. Mailpound will offer the use of their presentation platform for all of The Travel Institute’s 2009 webinars.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
