The Travel Institute launches Vietnam Destination Specialist Course

Course ‘does all the homework’ for agents looking to capitalize on globally trending destination

 

FRAMINGHAM, MA, May 6, 2024 – The Travel Institute has released its newly created Vietnam Destination Specialist Course as traveler demand for the scenic, well-preserved, and culturally rich destination continues to grow. 

“No doubt Vietnam is an up-and-coming destination for North American travelers and a top tourist destination globally. Through this new online course, we’ve done ALL the homework to help agents create unforgettable travel experiences for their clients,” explained Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education for The Travel Institute. Forecasting 18 million international travelers in 2024, 12.6 million explored the Southeast Asian country in 2023, up nearly 350% from 2022.1

 

Vietnam destinations are included in the 2024 Top 5 for overall global destinations as well as the 2024 Top 10 for food, honeymoons, and nature.2 Long renowned for breathtaking landscapes and its lively cities, diverse culture, unique culinary dishes, friendly people, and captivating history, popular Vietnamese destinations include its capital, Hanoi; Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Hoi An, an ancient, still bustling trade port; and Da Nang, with its vibrant coastline. Still, the country is relatively unknown for many travel agents with little formal education about travel there available until now. 

 

“This course fills a significant educational void for travel agents. Taking this course will not only expand their global destination knowledge, it will enable them to provide even their most allocentric, adventurous travelers with an unforgettable, off-the-beaten path, exciting new travel adventure,” Botelho asserted.

 

Curriculum includes: 

• A breakdown of Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam’s most popular cities and sights, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• By region: attractions and unique experiences including: accommodation options and considerations; cultural celebrations and events; custom tours for special interests such as cruising, food, shopping or biking; day and evening activities and entertainment; and dining descriptions and recommendations including local specialties.
• Practical knowledge such as: passport and visa requirements; currency considerations; intra-country transportation; geography and climate; contacts and resources for travelers in need; and more.

 

Similar to other destination courses from the non-profit education leader, the course also incorporates industry insights, a desk reference guide, and itinerary suggestions. Delivered through a best-practice and self-paced e-learning platform, the program comes alive through images, interactive activities, and progress quizzes to help travel agents be immersed in a comprehensive learning experience.  

 

For sponsor AmaWaterways, which operates a Mekong River cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia on the award-winning AmaDara, the course signifies tourism growth for the region, as well as an ongoing focus on travel advisor success for the luxury river cruise line. “We are deeply committed to providing our advisors with the best tools available to grow their river cruise business. Our timely collaboration with The Travel Institute reflects our shared dedication,” said Diane Horan, CTC, director of strategic partner networks with AmaWaterways. “Together, we are equipping advisors—truly the heart of AmaWaterways and key to our success—with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the ever-evolving landscape for travel, including increased popularity for Vietnam,” Horan continued.

 

The Vietnam course is the latest in one of many new destination specialist courses released by the non-profit travel education leader in 2024 as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Citing its Changing Face of Travel Agents survey released early in 2023, the industry’s only fully dedicated educational organization reiterated that 70% of agents reported destination knowledge tops their list for 2024 training needs. In addition, the survey indicated agents who specialize in destinations average 17.8% more in annual income. 

 

Students who successfully complete the Vietnam Destination Specialist Course, pass their online exam and submit either a destination report or an experiential checklist earn standing as a Certified Vietnam Travel Specialist and—as applicable—continuing education units, or CEUs, toward maintaining certification from The Travel Institute. Both designations are used by agents to further market experience and expertise as a travel professional. The new Vietnam course is also available at no charge for The Travel Institute’s Premium Access subscribers, who regularly enjoy advance releases of new curriculum from the global education leader.