Shawna LevetBe a travel expert
As a professional in one of the world’s fastest-changing industries, you may find it difficult to stay ahead of the curve. Today’s travelers are seeking out highly-curated itineraries, hoping for that “trip of a lifetime” experience. They may have strong ideas about what they want their experience to feel like but rely on your knowledge of destinations and suppliers to piece it together. It’s important to carve out time each week to invest in yourself. Consider this an essential, but fun, part of your work week!
Here are some of our favorite resources to improve your knowledge and network with other experts in your field:
Magazines/Publications
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet offers travel inspiration, breaking industry headlines, and travel tips categorized by topics such as adventure travel, backpacking, family holidays, honeymoon, and budget travel.
Outpost Travel Magazine
This Toronto-based magazine promotes sustainable, thoughtful, and mindful travel through its bi-monthly printed magazine and its growing online presence.
Tnooz
Tnooz is a must-follow for all travel industry professionals. It is one of the leading voices on travel, hospitality, and technology, focusing on the latest headlines on travel tech, digital distribution, media and marketing, web strategy, startups and financing in the travel sector.
Travel + Leisure
The Travel + Leisure destination guides provide a quick snapshot of travel to some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations along with dining, accommodation, and sightseeing tips in an easy-to-search format.
TravelPulse
TravelPulse covers the latest trends and current events in travel. They also offer free subscriptions to their Agent@Home publication, a resource geared towards agents building and managing home-based agencies.
Travel Weekly
With over 60 years of experience providing news coverage to the travel sector, Travel Weekly is one of the most trust B2B news sources in the industry. This publication provides the most current information on everything from tours and cruises to travel technology and government affairs.
Verge Magazine
Verge Magazine was launched in 2002 in response to the sudden, rapid growth in “purposeful travel.” As travel trends have moved beyond the traditional focus on leisure and relaxation to include studying, working, and volunteering abroad, this magazine is a great resource for agents seeking to reach this unique and growing market.
Networks
By joining recognized and well-established travel industry networks, you are giving your agency a higher level of credibility. These networks will provide a wealth of resources and connections to help you develop yourself professionally.
ASTA
American Society of Travel Agents
ASTA is the largest association of travel professionals in the world, advocating for travel agents, travel suppliers, and tour operators alike. ASTA’s mission is to “facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.”
CCRA
The CCRA Travel Commerce Network offers global travel agency accreditation and a 24/7 call center that provides after-hours phone support for travel agencies with limited business hours.
CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association
As the world’s largest cruise industry association, CLIA represents over 50 cruise lines and over 25,000 travel agent members. They are committed to promoting policies and practices that create a safe, secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment. The CLIA network strives to advocate, educate, and promote the common interests of the cruising community.
IATA/IATAN
International Air Transport Association
International Airlines Travel Agent Network
The globally recognized IATA accreditation includes approximately 60,000 travel agents and is designed to simplify the business relationship between travel agents and airlines.
Card-carrying members of IATAN’s travel agent network have access to exclusive education materials and rewards programs. Card benefits may include deals from industry suppliers such as hotels, airlines, attractions, FAM trips, and more.
PATH
Professional Association of Travel Hosts
The PATH network is the only travel industry association with a membership exclusive to host agencies. PATH sets high industry standards for its members, vetting new agencies thoroughly and enforcing these standards with all participating host agencies.
USTOA
United States Tour Operators Association
Founded in 1972, USTOA was created with the desire to foster trust in tour operators. Their motto “Integrity in Tourism” reflects their mission to hold tour operators to the highest ethical standards of business conduct, presenting “facts, conditions, and requirements relating to tours and vacation packages truthfully and accurately”.
Webinar Sources
Webinars are an incredible resource for you to stay current on new products and deals provided by travel and hospitality vendors, sharpening your skills and knowledge as a travel expert.
Great article for professional travel agent. Excellent travel links of magazines which is quite interesting. Thanks for the post. I like this post.