Educational Standstill ‘not a viable option’ for Advisor Success, Petras says
FRAMINGHAM, MA, June 23, 2025 – The Travel Institute’s 12th Annual Promote Your Professionalism (PYP) campaign kicks off today, running through July, to provide industry professionals—travel agents, agency owners, suppliers and more—access to scholarship funds across its flagship, 3-tier certification program, including its CTA®, CTC®, and CTIE® designations, while also raising awareness about the value of education for travel professionals.
“In today’s complex and competitive travel industry, an educational standstill is not a viable option for travel professionals,” asserted Diane Petras, CTIE, president for The Travel Institute. “Certification from The Travel Institute truly matters; it is a career milestone but it is also career momentum. Our graduates demonstrate every day how certification makes a measurable difference so whether you’re looking to sharpen your customer service skills, boost your sales, or lead a team with confidence, this campaign is the perfect time to take the next step,” Petras added, emphasizing the 50%-off, limited-time PYP offer.
With more than 31,000 graduates across its Certified Travel Associate, CTA; Certified Travel Counselor, CTC; and Certified Travel Industry Executive, CTIE programs, The Travel Institute recently released its CTA® Graduate Insights survey, offering new insights about the award-winning program for frontline advisors, including 81% measurable business growth and 85% consistent use of new knowledge and training for its graduates. The long-held gold standard in higher education, certification through The Travel Institute is encouraged—and sometimes required—by agencies and suppliers alike because its graduates gain useful travel knowledge and practical business skills that contribute to their everyday success, consistently reporting increased earnings and satisfaction over their uncertified counterparts.
“We see the value every day—credentialed advisors are not only better producers but they are also more confident and respected,” asserted Alex Pinelo, CTC, MCC, chief sales officer for AmaWaterways. “Getting certified is not required but it is critical. The time invested in achieving and maintaining TTI certification sets travel advisors down a proven path to reap the long-term rewards—for themselves and for our industry,” Pinelo, also a board member for The Travel Institute, said.
The Travel Institute has provided more than 5,000 students with endowed scholarships, at nearly $1.3M USD since the first PYP campaign. To apply for a PYP scholarship, valued at $299 USD, individuals must complete The Travel Institute’s scholarship form, available now through the end of July, selecting either the Certified Travel Associate, CTA®, Certified Travel Counselor, CTC®, or Certified Travel Industry Executive, CTIE®, program, each designed for a particular career stage and level of experience. According to recent graduates:
- “Completing the CTA has been a major milestone in my professional development. I’m now seen as more credible… As a result, I’ve noticed increased client retention and referrals… Overall, my CTA strengthened my expertise and expanded my professional network, positioning me for long-term success.” —Andrea Shipman, CTA Senior Travel Advisor, AAA
- “Getting certified was a total game-changer. It gave me the tools, knowledge, and credibility to stand out—and my clients trust me more because of it.” —Cristine G. Etue, CTA, Carlisle Travel
- “I knew my CTC would set me apart and demonstrate my commitment and excellence. It challenged me to deepen my industry knowledge, refine my business strategies, and enhance the level of service I provide…Because of this program, my small business continues to grow.” —Michelle Shumate, CTC, VTA, Senior Travel Advisor, Fairy Godmother Travel
- “In a world of continuous change, the tools I have from [my CTIE] allow me to step back and assess different situations—business adaptations, challenging situations, and the biggest benefit, to help manage people while understanding their needs during challenging times. It is a great process with new tools and a good reminder of what has been learned over the years.” —Lindsay Pearlman, CTIE, currently Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and soon-to-be President, Travel Leaders Network
“No contest—our certification programs are the industry’s education cornerstone for advanced, higher learning ongoing and a very small investment with significant life-long returns,” emphasized Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education for The Travel Institute.
The Travel Institute’s 3-tier certification program is part of the non-profit’s 60+-year-old mission to provide accessible, affordable education to travel professionals. Supplementing certification scholarships during PYP are timely, free online presentations to further develop agent professionalism. Topics include Turning Credentials into Cashflow, the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Pathways to Success, and more. Visit PYP or join an upcoming certification webinar.
The Travel Institute relies on individuals and organizations, including its alumni and other industry stakeholders, to support its work to create relevant, meaningful, rigorous and affordable coursework for agents at all career stages. Make a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) donation, share your expertise with students, or learn more about sponsorships in support of agent, traveler, and industry success.
ABOUT CERTIFICATION FROM THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE
The Travel Institute’s 3-tier certification program today boasts more than 31,000 graduates. Curriculum is regularly revised based on marketplace demands, agent trends, expert input from within and outside the industry, best-practice research, and user feedback. Certification curriculum is augmented with real-world applications and expert tips and insights from “been there, done that” industry executives, while online peer groups and trainer coaching provide critical context. The programs are delivered via a best-practice, interactive, e-Learning platform to further increase comprehension and retention, and graduates consistently demonstrate the personal skills, professional knowledge and business aptitude that enable greater success. 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. Certified graduates earn a minimum of 10 Continuing Education Units, or CEUs, annually, to ensure continuous learning. Certified graduates also benefit from supplier booking incentives, online marketing tools, and inclusion in The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Agent DirectorySM, a free, consumer-facing directory for travelers seeking a professional, credentialed agent.
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 Premium Access online library content. 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.