NEW YORK -- Travel professionals who earned CTC or other marks of
educational achievement from the former Institute of Certified
Travel Agents are accepting, or even supportive, of the plans to
broaden its reach with a new name and new curricula.
Reaction to a recertification requirement, however, was more
mixed. The Travel Institute, the organization's new name, intends
for recertification to be mandatory for those wishing to remain in
member databases displayed to consumers on the Web site and on lists
shared within the industry.
Anita Battershell-McCollum, owner and general manager of Anita's
Travel Station in Jackson, Tenn., said expanding the Institute's
role is "fine if it does not take attention away from its roots,
education for agents." She said the CTE (certified travel
executive) course will be a good addition.
As for recertification, Battershell-McCollum said one can argue
for a grandfather clause, "but many professions have requirements
for continuing education." She added, "I like the idea of a little
forced discipline" to update education because the "industry is
changing constantly."
Joel Higgins, president of Higgins Travel in Eau Claire, Wis.,
said that given industry changes -- particularly the fall-off in
number of traditional agents -- "it makes sense that [the
organization] would look at broadening its scope."
Recertification is a "great idea," though Higgins said his
"plate is too full" at the moment for recertification.
The Institute faces a changed marketplace of its own -- the
increase in travel courses at the college level -- said Jane Lang,
president of the VIP Travel division of North Olmstead, Ohio-based
Professional Travel.
The "fine organization" seems to have lost some of the impact it
formerly had, Lang said, but added the new plans could increase
appreciation of the Institute's work among younger travel
professionals.
Lang said her CTC course helped her but doubted she would seek
recertification.
Brenda Ainsworth, manager of International Tours in Levelland,
Texas, didn't sound like a recertification candidate either.
"We're intelligent and professional people who keep up on our
own, every day. I don't need prodding," Ainsworth said.
Applauding existing programs, she said she hoped opening the
doors to more course participants wouldn't mean the Institute
"gives the [designations] to everybody."
Jo Canum, who works as an independent contractor for Canum
Travel in Gilroy, Calif., was, like others, concerned the Institute
would "take away" her CTC.
An Institute spokeswoman said that would not happen, that those
who don't recertify can remain affiliated.
Canum at first "had a problem" with recertification, but by the
end of a single conversation, said, "As I talk this out, I can
understand the requirement for continuing education."
As for the Institute's plans to expand its reach, she said, "the
more who are educated, the better it is for the industry."
To contact Nadine Godwin, send e-mail to [email protected].