The Travel Institute has launched a course about planning group travel in response to high interest from travel advisors.
The Group Travel Specialist Course, available online for $89, promises to take advisors from the basics of planning groups to more detailed topics, including finding and utilizing group leaders, effective communication, creating a business and marketing plan for group sales, and supplemental resources like sample language for terms and conditions.
The course has been in development since early 2023, according to the Travel Institute. It was co-authored by Donald Capparella, CEO and founder of Quality Travel Solutions, and sponsored by ALG Vacations and Oceania Cruises.
The course is eligible for 10 continuing education units.
"For advisors, it's easy math. You can build and sell an itinerary for one traveler or family, or you can build and sell that same itinerary for five, ten or 20-plus travelers," said Guida Botelho, the Travel Institute's senior director of education. "It's a great way to increase revenue without proportionately increasing effort and cost -- as long as you have the knowledge and skills to be successful."