by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 12:05 PM ET, Tue May 14, 2024
WHY IT RATES: The partnership is an industry-first for a host agency and travel supplier to award ASTA scholarships. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse
InteleTravel, the global travel distribution group built on the longtime host agency, announced that its partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has led to more than 450 top-selling travel advisors in its network to be awarded with scholarships towards a membership to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).
This collaboration marks the first time a host agency and travel supplier have joined forces to offer ASTA scholarships. InteleTravel and Royal Caribbean have long voiced their support for ASTA over the years and strongly supported its efforts to advance education, elevate professionalism and advocate for advisors. By helping advisors join ASTA, a usual cost of $239 per year, InteleTravel demonstrated its ongoing mission to deliver competitive advantages, helping advisors grow their businesses and profits.
“InteleTravel’s overall mission is to help our advisors succeed in their business,” says Tara Minson, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of InteleTravel. “We support ASTA’s professional education initiatives and advocacy efforts. Royal Caribbean was the perfect partner to kick off what we hope will be an annual program. They have long led the industry in their extraordinary support of both the travel advisor channel and of ASTA’s work.”
InteleTravel announced the scholarship program earlier this year to its top-selling advisors, and to qualify, advisors had to complete Royal Caribbean University's coursework up to its advanced Masters of Adventure certification. The first year membership cost was then split between InteleTravel, Royal Caribbean and the advisor, with a second year renewal offered under the same terms.
Royal Caribbean University is an educational platform that provides training resources for travel professionals to ensure a foundational understanding of Royal Caribbean’s ships, features, benefits, key selling points, and more. There is a core and advanced curriculum for those who sign up and those who complete all of the courses, including the advanced curriculum, receive a “Masters of Adventure” certification.
“I'm a steadfast believer that travel advisors truly need the support and muscle of an organization like ASTA,” says Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service for Royal Caribbean. “With an ASTA distinction, advisors have even more credibility as travel experts with current and potential clients. Royal Caribbean is proud to be able to assist InteleTravel advisors in reaching those goals, while at the same time supporting the important work of ASTA with new members."
As a result of the membership assistance, InteleTravel has added 461 new ASTA members who will have access to education, consumer leads, media referrals, networking opportunities through their local chapter, a suite of programs that offer discounts on tools and programs, the latest industry research and news, and much more. ASTA also defends agents and their businesses against harmful legislation and regulations at every level of government and supports policies that help members maintain and grow their small businesses.
SOURCE: InteleTravel press release.
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