Travel schools, universities, community colleges and vocational schools are great places to start your career. A school nearby may offer courses in travel, tourism, recreation or hospitality.
Associations to contact about training programs include: American Society of Travel Agents ASTA, Institute of Certified Travel Agents ICTA, and the Society of Travel and Tourism Educators STTE.
If you are already employed in the travel industry and would like to sharpen your skills and advance your career, the Institute of Certified Travel Agents ICTA, can help. See ICTA, below.
Here are three easy steps to help you choose the right travel and tourism training program for you:
1. Choose the right travel school.
Before you enroll at a university, community college, vocational school, or proprietary school; (travel schools independent of universities, colleges or vocational/technical schools,) ask these questions suggested by the ASTA publication ''Choosing the Right Travel School. "
- Make an appointment with an admissions or specific department counselor to discuss how their program can help you prepare for employment within the cruise or travel industry.
- Has the school been approved," "registered" or "licensed" by the State Postsecondary Education Bureau or a recognized accreditation association?
- Who teaches on the faculty? What type of travel industry experience do the instructors have? Are instructors familiar with cruising?
- What is the curriculum? The travel industry is complex; does this school offer courses in all aspects of travel including cruise lines?
- Is there hands-on computer training with airline reservations systems?
- How long has the school been in operation?
- What type of placement assistance is available through the school?
- What type of facilities, equipment & materials are available? Are they current?
ASTA is the largest and most influential travel trade association, with more than 20,000 members in 125 countries. ASTA is committed to upholding the professionalism of the travel agents' community and promoting ethical business practices. The association provides numerous financial, professional and social benefits to its membership, which consists of travel agencies, suppliers, tour operator and travel schools.
ASTA affiliated travel schools are committed to excellent training in all aspects of the travel industry. ASTA recommends contacting your State Board of Education for information on community colleges, universities and proprietary schools. ASTA affiliated travel schools, both proprietary and university or college, are located worldwide.
For the ASTA affiliated travel school in your community, contact the American Society of Travel Agents, 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 or PO Box 23992, Washington DC 20026-3992.
HOT TIP: If you are majoring in travel or tourism, either in proprietary travel schools, community colleges or universities, ASTA provides an Annual Internship Program Award. The internship allows the student to attend ASTA's World Travel Congress, a convention comprised of over 6,000 delegates who have assembled to learn more about the travel and tourism industry.
Applicants must submit a project based on a pre-described scenario given by ASTA's Education Department. For details on how to apply for consideration as an intern, contact the ASTA Education Department, 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
HOT TIP: Get a head start on your future.
ASTA's Future Travel Professional FTP, program is a club for students majoring in travel, tourism and hospitality at any university, community college, vocational school, or proprietary schools. FTP students receive first priority for information on scholarships and all ASTA Programs.
"The FTP program gives students a foot in the door of the travel industry," says Verlette Mitchell, Program Specialist. Contact membership sales for more information on joining FTP.
3. Meet your instructors.
You'll find they share a passion about travel and a commitment to your success within the industry. Look for instructors with personal experience in the cruise industry. Contact the Society of Travel and Tourism Educators STTE. This progressive organization promotes high standards for educators and curriculum. STTE members benefit from educational seminars and conferences which help keep these instructors at the top of their class.
Society of Travel and Tourism Educators STTE, 19364 Woodcrest, Harper Woods, Ml 48225
Beverley Citron, Cruise Employment Instructor.
Persistence breaks resistance!
Beverley advises that an instructor's experience within the cruise industry can be your most valuable asset. Once you have travel or cruise training is persistent in your job search, and you, too can sail the world on luxury cruise ships and get paid for it!
"Instructors may have connections with cruise lines, know when jobs become available and know specifically what qualifications that cruise line desires. Choose your school and instructor carefully, study hard and you will open the door to a world of travel, adventure and romance."
4. Contact the Institute of Certified Travel Agents ICTA.
ICTA is an international, nonprofit organization that provides educational programming for travel industry members at all career stages. Founded in 1964 to enhance the quality of professional practice in the travel industry, its goal is to encourage the pursuit of excellence through continuing education.
Educational Programs
ICTA's primary programs are the Certified Travel Counselor CTC, Destination Specialist, and the Sales Skills Development video/workbook program. ICTA also offers an entry-level "Travel Career Development" textbook and an Education on Location program for active CTC members.
HOT TIP: Those travel agents who have earned the title CTC are leaders in the industry. Seek out CTC's and ask for their advice. They may help you get started or advance in your career.
Ask your instructor to take advantage of these resources:
5. Books and videos
Author Claudine Dervaes, President and owner of Solitaire Publishing and former travel instructor, has created a valuable series of books and video on careers in travel. The Travel Training Workbook - set of six - covers geography, domestic travel and ticketing, supplemental sales, international travel, cruises and review, sales techniques and business communications. Careers in Travel video is a helpful addition to any career library. Contact Solitaire Publishing, P.O Box 14508, Tampa, FL 33690-4508, 813.876.0286.
6. Speakers
Author and cruise industry expert Mary Fallon Miller is available for educational seminars and workshops on the cruise industry. Mary writes and speaks about cruise jobs, trends, and marketing cruise products.
Mary has spoken for American Airlines Travel Academy, Sports Careers, AMR Travel Industry Invitational, ASTA's World Congress, ASTA Cruise fest, ASTA Specialty Travel Showcase and numerous television and radio shows.
