Latest edition incorporates expertise from nearly 70 industry professionals; realigns new agent training to meet modern-day industry needs
FRAMINGHAM, MA, January 19, 2026 – The Travel Institute has launched its newly transformed TRIPKITSM 6th Edition: a “reimagining” of new agent training for the individuals and organizations it serves.
“It’s our sixth edition, YET it’s truly an all-new learning experience. We’ve upgraded, expanded, reorganized—in fact, fully reimagined—to align new agent capabilities with the needs of today’s travel industry. Our goal was to raise the bar for how new professionals are both introduced to the industry and equipped with the foundational knowledge they need to succeed—and we’ve done exactly that,” enthused Guida Botelho, CTIE, vice president of The Travel Institute.
A 2023 Magellan Gold Award winner, TRIPKIT further builds upon its industry-leading foundation in this new edition, shaped by the expertise of nearly 70 industry professionals.
“By bringing their expertise into ONE comprehensive program, we’ve realigned this course with today’s travel landscape and rebuilt it with today’s most relevant topics to ensure new agents have the knowledge and know-how they need Day One,” Botelho asserted.
At the core of TRIPKIT 6th Edition is its brand-new Travel Career Development, or TCD, 12th Edition, a fully redesigned digital and print textbook that has long been trusted by colleges and higher education programs is now reimagined for modern new-agent onboarding. Available as part of TRIPKIT or as a stand-alone resource, TCD is designed to complement host agency, consortia, and supplier training.
From sales to service, business operations to legal considerations, technology to advisor roles, global itineraries to career pathways and more, TCD immerses newcomers in the travel profession with relevant topics, application exercises and pro tips from today’s industry experts, cementing that agents are prepared to operate confidently from the start.
“The richness of the new TCD 12th Edition content really stands out,” remarked Margaret Haas Wolf, director of advisor development for Brownell Travel. “TCD 12th Edition complements our host agency training without overlapping, fills key knowledge gaps, and even helps us vet new recruits who may not have the industry basics,” Wolf explained.
Oasis Travel Network is leveraging TRIPKIT 6th Edition as a turnkey, white label customized solution connecting its agents to The Travel Institute’s learning management system to consistently and cost-effectively deliver award-winning new agent training.
“The Travel Institute aligns perfectly with our mission and this new TRIPKIT is a game-changer for advisor development and long-term success,” affirmed Erwing Hernandez, CTA, CTC, executive vice president for Oasis. “TRIPKIT 6th Edition represents the next evolution of travel education—practical, modern, and designed to meet our advisors where they are in today’s marketplace and equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to grow their businesses, better serve their clients, and elevate the profession as a whole,” added Hernandez.
In addition to TCD 12th Edition, TRIPKIT 6th Edition also includes:
- Exploring the World, 5th Edition – A modern, comprehensive guide to geography, destinations, and cultural insights
- Expert Insider Sessions – Real stories, challenges and best practices from respected “been there/done that” travel professionals
- TRIPKIT Tracks – Just-in-time communications to ensure student motivation and accountability while extending student support
- An Interactive Study Plan with videos and quizzes
- The Entrepreneur’s Checklist for students to launch their own travel business
- The Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP® Test, the industry’s leading and trusted entry-level exam, confirming student mastery of travel industry basics and often the first industry “credential” new travel professionals earn.
The TRIPKIT 6th Edition replaces 2023’s 5th Edition. Its launch follows a recent Internova survey1 indicating an anticipated 15% increase in consumer utilization of travel advisors for 2026 and as LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise2 this year includes travel advisors. Since TRIPKIT 6th Edition’s January launch, nearly 300 aspiring travel advisors have already taken advantage of the current $150 USD TRIPKIT 6th Edition scholarship, an approximate 30% savings, available now through January.
“Passion for travel is a great starting point for new talent but successful careers require a solid foundation with comprehensive education,” Botelho advised. “Whether for an individual or an entire team, utilizing TRIPKIT is a powerful investment that builds confidence, sharpens skills, and ensures today’s newcomers are truly job-ready in the fast-paced, rewarding world of travel.”
Applications for TRIPKIT scholarships are now being accepted; visit TRIPKIT to learn more. Interested agents can also attend a courtesy new-to-the-industry webinar to learn more.
2 LinkedIn
As the leading education provider in an industry without mandated education, The Travel Institute’s independent and non-profit mission is to provide easily accessed, high-quality, low- and no-cost education to all travel professionals at all stages of their careers. The Travel Institute relies on individuals and organizations to support its work to create relevant, meaningful, rigorous and affordable coursework. Donate funding, share your expertise with students, or learn more about sponsorships in support of agent, traveler, and industry success.
ABOUT TRIPKIT
TRIPKIT is the industry’s long-recognized gold standard for new agent education, utilized by individuals studying independently, agency owners and managers training new staff, and post-secondary vocational institutions teaching travel-related curriculum. Self-paced, flexible, and accessible from any device, TRIPKIT is designed for career changers, part-time learners, and future independent advisors alike. TRIPKIT’s recent TAP graduates are recognized on The Travel Institute website and those looking for employment are included at Hire Me in support of new agents seeking employment and agencies seeking educated new talent.
ABOUT THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE
A collaborative industry effort created in 1964, The Travel Institute has continuously evolved to maintain its role as the global leader and industry’s recognized gold standard in travel industry education and certification. Dedicated solely to advancing the professionalism of both agents and industry leaders in support of individual and industry success, The Travel Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, independent organization operating exclusively for educational purposes to meet the ever-changing needs of travel agents. Working with leaders throughout the industry to create and deliver relevant and rigorous coursework and proctored, closed-book testing to ensure graduates demonstrate the highest standards of expertise and service, The Travel Institute has more than 31,000 Certified Travel Associate, CTA©; Certified Travel Counselor, CTC©; and Certified Travel Industry Executive, CTIE© graduates. It also administers the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP©, exam to confirm students new to the industry demonstrate a mastery of travel industry basics. Countless individuals, agency owners and managers, and educational institutions utilize The Travel Institute’s award-winning TRIPKITSM introductory program and CTA© as their learning tools of choice. A trusted partner to industry suppliers and educational institutions, The Travel Institute is also the approved provider of travel industry civilian occupation training for U.S. military and has trained hundreds of thousands through various courses, webinars, and other online content through its Education Hub. Throughout North America, many successful agents and high-profile leaders credit their success to The Travel Institute’s affordable and accessible educational resources. Learn more.