The Travel Institute has expanded its specialist program and set new industry standards for destination and lifestyle specialists.
The effort is part of a move to establish specialist designations with clear, objective criteria that a travel counselor must meet to claim the expertise, according to the institute.
They are refining and expanding the popular Destination Specialists courses beyond the current dozen offerings, and adding an advanced Certified Destination Specialist level. The new level will require a site visit, a written report and ongoing certification.
The institute is also rolling out a new series of Certified Lifestyle Specialist programs focused on fast-growing lifestyle travel trends such as honeymoons/weddings, luxury travel, yacht charters, gay travel and others.
The institute says the new industry-wide specialist designation model will make an important distinction between content and tests. The focus will be on the standards-based examination and experiential criteria rather than a required set of educational materials.
Report by David Wilkening
