CTA scholarships now available from RCI & The Travel Institute

The Travel Institute (TTI) is launching a one-of-a-kind collaboration with Royal Caribbean International to support travel agents’ continued education. Together, TTI and RCI have committed a total of $7,500 toward Certified Travel Associate (CTA) certifications for master’s degree graduates of Royal Caribbean University (RCU), Royal Caribbean’s online travel professional learning platform.

Through The Travel Institute, the contribution will cover more than 50 percent of the cost of the CTA curriculum for 40 qualifying travel partners.

READ MORE: The Travel Institute has redesigned its course on luxury travel

Preparing agents for the field

Professionals who have completed the final segment of Royal Caribbean University’s recently enhanced, three-track curriculum can apply for the financial assistance by directly registering for the CTA program on The Travel Institute’s website. The introduction of this new benefit marks a first in this arena.

Plus, if travel partners are members of The Travel Institute, they will also earn an additional 10 per cent toward their certification – a perk they currently enjoy today.

“Brand-specific training coupled with ‘job-readiness’ certification through The Travel Institute is a winning formula for success,” said TTI training director Guida Botelho, CTA, whose career also includes eight years as training manager at Atlas Travel, where she created and implemented training for the agency’s 200-plus employees. “All of our certifications have been totally overhauled to reflect content that is based on practical, real-work scenarios. We’re excited about presenting this never-before-seen benefit with Royal Caribbean, and we applaud them for recognizing their dedicated travel professionals with such a rewarding opportunity!”

Vicki Freed, CTC, senior vice president, sales, trade support and service, Royal Caribbean International, added:

“Royal Caribbean has always been a big believer in education and a huge supporter of the travel agent community – values we proudly share with The Travel Institute. The more knowledge and resources our travel partners have, the better equipped they are to sell our cruises and bring their clients’ dream vacations to life. Between Royal Caribbean University and the CTA certification, professionals have the ‘total package.’ Directly supporting agents in pursuing both is further testament to our commitment in seeing them succeed for many years to come.”