The Travel Institute says agents who get its certification sell and earn more than other agents.
That was one of the findings of its Changing Face of Travel Agents 2023 survey. The survey was also conducted in 2008 and 2018, and this year's results are consistent with results from those years, the Institute said in a release.
According to the survey, travel advisors certified by the Institute earn 24.3% more annual income than those without any industry certifications. They earn 12.5% more than agents with a different industry certification.
Additionally, Institute-certified agents do 26.5% more in annual sales than those without any industry certification and 10.5% more in annual sales than those with a different industry certification.
Advisors who opt for further education from the Institute, either as a Destination Specialist or Lifestyle Specialist, earn 17.8% more in annual income than those without any certification and 6% more than agents with a different industry certification.
"We are not surprised by these results, but we certainly appreciate continued affirmation of our mission, curriculum and industry position," Institute president Diane Petras said in a release.
Interest in education remains strong
Petras also said interest in the industry remains high.
The Institute's July Promote Your Professionalism Scholarship event had a record number of applicants.
There were nearly 50% more applicants this year than in 2020, the previous record.
"They're putting their best foot forward to ensure they are capable and credible, and our industry and travelers are recognizing that," Petras said.