Agents get benefits via CLIA, The Travel Institute partnership

For example, recent graduates (from Jan. 1, 2015, to now) of CLIA’s Accredited Cruise Counselor and Master Cruise Counselor programs receive three free months of basic membership with The Travel Institute and get free ongoing skills training during those months. The membership offer will be communicated twice during the year.

Also, recent graduates of The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Associate, Certified Travel Counselor and Certified Industry Travel Executive courses who enroll in CLIA's ACC or MCC programs receive 10 continuing education credits toward The Travel Institute’s annual CEU requirement, plus two free classes from CLIA offered twice per year.

Plus, CLIA is offering 10 credits for Certified Travel Associate recent graduates toward CLIA’s ACC and 10 credits toward MCC for Certified Travel Counselor or Certified Industry Travel Executive recent graduates.

'Partnering with The Travel Institute is a natural fit for our two organizations,' said Cindy D'Aoust, acting ceo, CLIA. 'As two of the leading professional development organizations in the travel industry, we share a common goal of supporting travel professionals by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.'

'The partnership is particularly timely given our recent announcement that proclaims 2016 as The Year of the Travel Professional,' added Diane Petras, CMP, CTIE, chief operating officer, The Travel Institute. 'This year-long focus will clearly differentiate the dedicated travel professional from the travel hobbyist, and we’re delighted to have CLIA as a partner and ambassador behind this campaign.'

In addition to the newly announced benefits, the two organizations are developing other support initiatives for their respective certified graduates throughout the coming year. For example, National Plan A Cruise Month reinforces using a CLIA Certified Travel Agent and a Congressional Resolution designated October as 'Cruise Travel Professional Month.' Coming up for the second quarter at The Travel Institute is a new management webinar series, 'Learn. Lead. Innovate.' for travel professionals interested in developing their leadership skills.