Become a Puerto Rico Travel Expert!

The new Puerto Rico Travel Expert (PRTE) program, produced by Travel Agent Academy, is now available at www.GoToPuertoRico.com. Once you enter Puerto Rico's website, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "For Travel Agents" to access the course.

The PRTE program shows you how Puerto Rico can fill the vacation, meetings and convention needs of just about every client, and why these clients must "Explore Beyond the Shore" to discover the unique culture, history and myriad attractions of this diverse destination. The course details Puerto Rico's appeals for wide-ranging special interests, and provides links to many additional resources and sales tools to make it easier for you to plan Puerto Rico vacations according to your clients' individual needs.

The comprehensive education program is divided into two phases. The first phase is a four-chapter program providing an overview of the island's attractions for key markets. When you successfully complete the quizzes following each of these four chapters, along with a subsequent, related on-site education tour in Puerto Rico, you graduate as a Puerto Rico Travel Expert. After you complete the first four chapters, and the related quizzes, you automatically have access to the fam trip application forms. Space is limited on each fam trip departure and the specialist certificates will be awarded in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Travel Experts receive a laminated photo PRTE ID card, a listing in a new "Locate a PRTE" section of Puerto Rico's consumer website (www.GoToPuertoRico.com) and become eligible to participate in Puerto Rico's Dream Rewards program. The Dream Rewards program, coded for access by PRTE graduates only, is housed on the PRTE education website.

In addition to the opportunity to earn points toward gift certificates in the amounts of $50, $100, $150, $200 or more, PRTE graduates who log in their bookings at the Dream Rewards site are automatically entered into a competition for top dollar bookings to Puerto Rico. A total of $25,000 will be awarded - First Prize is $15,000, Second Prize is $7,000; Third Prize is $3,000. Restrictions apply. Visit the PRTE website for full details.

PRTE graduates also receive an automatic subscription to Que Pasa Magazine as well as monthly newsletter with up-to-the-minute information and special offers. U.S. travel agent participants in The Travel Institute's continuing education program who graduate from the first phase of the education, including the on-site education in Puerto Rico, also are eligible for 10 CEUs from The Travel Institute; Canadian agents are eligible to receive 9 ACCESS/CITC credits. PRTE graduates also are eligible to access and complete any or all of the graduate courses -- Chapter 5-10, covering niche market specialties for additional certifications, fam trip opportunities and Dream Points.

The PRTE education includes an overview of the island's key selling points, such as ease of access, no passport required for U.S. citizens, the diversity provided by Puerto Rico's five distinct regions, and the destination's wide range of accommodations -- from large luxury resorts, to small hotels and inns, to Paradores -- spa facilities, and nightlife. The program also highlights Puerto Rico's historic sites, towns and villages; attractions relating to the island's four distinct cultures (Indian, Spanish, African and American), fine dining opportunities, and the island's full roster of cultural events. The education program also introduces you to Puerto Rico's many spectacular sites of natural beauty and adventure travel opportunities. Added to this is information on Puerto Rico's countless beaches, unique settings for meetings and weddings, family-friendly attractions and myriad top-notch sports opportunities.

We hope you take part in this new educational opportunity and take advantage of all the special benefits for you and your clients. For more information, visit www.GoToPuertoRico.com and click on "For Travel Agents."

Jane Jamison
Editorial Director
Performance Media Group Custom Publishing
[email protected]

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