The Travel Institute plans alumni learning sessions, cruise giveaways Nov. 9–13

The Travel Institute said it will hold its second annual Alumni Celebration Week Nov. 9–13, offering certified graduates professional development sessions, exclusive resources and a chance to win one of three cruise vacations.

The event recognizes advisors who have earned the institute’s Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) designations. The institute says its community includes more than 31,500 certified graduates.

“Alumni Celebration Week honours our certified advisors’ commitment to growing professionally, delivering exceptional client service, strengthening supplier relationships and building successful businesses — all of which benefit the broader travel industry,” Taylor Ruecking, president of The Travel Institute, said.

“Many industry leaders and top advisors credit our education programs with helping them succeed. Alumni Celebration Week recognizes these achievements and inspires others in the travel community to discover the value of ongoing professional development.”

Learning sessions and resources

The week will include two alumni-only PEP Talks, each worth two continuing education units:

• Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. EST: “Keeping Them in Your World: Building Clients For Life,” presented by Dana Zificsak, CTIE, founder of Guts Grit Goals and a certified business coach.
• Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. EST: “Host Agency Agreements: Your Guide to an Essential Legal Document,” led by Gunes Hopson, an attorney with GFH Law PLC and founder of Luxe Travel by Gunes.

Two participants at each session will be selected at random to receive a one-year subscription to the institute’s Education Hub. Each subscription is valued at $199.

Alumni will also have access to “How the ‘Let Them’ Theory Can Lead a Travel Business to Success,” a white paper by Sandi Ferreira, CTIE, senior director of air operations at Andrew Harper, and “AI in Travel: Insights, Trends and Industry Perspectives.”

Three cruise prizes

Alumni who complete the Alumni Cruise Drawing Entry Form can enter to win one of three prizes:

• AmaWaterways: A seven-night European river cruise for two on select 2026 or 2027 sailings.
• Princess Cruises: A balcony stateroom for two on a seven-day Mexican Riviera or Caribbean cruise. Taxes, fees and port expenses are excluded.
• Royal Caribbean: A three- to five-night Caribbean cruise for two, departing between December 2026 and December 2027.

“Royal Caribbean is proud to support The Travel Institute’s Alumni Celebration Week and recognize travel professionals who have invested in their careers by earning industry certification,” Vicki Freed, CTC, senior vice-president of sales and trade relations at Royal Caribbean, said.

“As a graduate of The Travel Institute’s Certified Travel Counsellor program, I understand firsthand the value of comprehensive industry education and ongoing professional development.”

Certified graduates are encouraged to follow the institute’s communications and social media channels for announcements. The week also provides an opportunity to contribute to The Travel Institute Scholarship Fund.

Founded in 1964, The Travel Institute is an independent nonprofit organization providing travel industry education and certification.

More information is available on the institute’s Alumni Celebration Week page.

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