Travel distribution company Tourico Holidays is investing for the future with a unique travel academy concept training the next generation of travel professionals.
Launched in early 2014, the Orlando-based Tourico Holidays Travel Academy offers college graduates training in key skills for a career in the travel business.
The curriculum includes a negotiation skills ‘boot camp’, classes in presentation planning, project management and software programs.
Student accepted on the program receive full benefits such as housing, meals, base salary, laptops and cell phones.
Successful graduates are then offered a job working at one of Tourico’s worldwide offices, such as Jean Dos Santos, now employed as a business development manager in the firm’s London office.
"The approach of the Academy is very different; they see you as a future employee and not simply a student," Dos Santos said.
"Having the possibility to be placed throughout the world is a big reason I applied for the Academy."
Fellow graduate Robin Mata, soon to start work for Tourico in Barcelona, Spain, says the program offers an ideal grounding for students looking to break into the travel industry.
"The training is personal and challenging, and a great way to learn valuable skills that you can put into practice on a daily basis."
The Academy’s 10-week leadership development program runs four times a year and has a capacity for 30 students.
Online applications are being taken for fall and winter programs beginning in October.
