The Travel Institute launches TRIPKIT 6th Edition for new agent training

The Travel Institute launched TRIPKIT 6th Edition on January 19, a redesigned training program for new travel advisors shaped by the expertise of nearly 70 industry professionals.

"We've upgraded, expanded, reorganized—in fact, fully reimagined—to align new agent capabilities with the needs of today's travel industry," said Guida Botelho, CTIE, vice president of The Travel Institute. 

"Our goal was to raise the bar for how new professionals are both introduced to the industry and equipped with the foundational knowledge they need to succeed—and we've done exactly that."

The program centers on Travel Career Development (TCD) 12th Edition, a fully redesigned digital and print textbook available as part of TRIPKIT or as a stand-alone resource. 

The textbook covers sales, service, business operations, legal considerations, technology, advisor roles, global itineraries, and career pathways, and is designed to complement host agency, consortia and supplier training.

"The richness of the new TCD 12th Edition content really stands out," said Margaret Haas Wolf, director of advisor development for Brownell Travel. 

"TCD 12th Edition complements our host agency training without overlapping, fills key knowledge gaps, and even helps us vet new recruits who may not have the industry basics."

Oasis Travel Network is using TRIPKIT 6th Edition as a white label customized solution connecting its agents to The Travel Institute's learning management system.

"The Travel Institute aligns perfectly with our mission and this new TRIPKIT is a game-changer for advisor development and long-term success," said Erwing Hernandez, CTA, CTC, executive vice president for Oasis. 

"TRIPKIT 6th Edition represents the next evolution of travel education—practical, modern, and designed to meet our advisors where they are in today's marketplace and equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to grow their businesses, better serve their clients, and elevate the profession as a whole."

Program components

In addition to TCD 12th Edition, TRIPKIT 6th Edition includes: 

• Exploring the World, 5th Edition, a guide to geography, destinations, and cultural insights
• Expert Insider Sessions with travel professionals
• TRIPKIT Tracks communications for student motivation and accountability
• An interactive study plan with videos and quizzes
• The Entrepreneur's Checklist for launching a travel business
• The Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) Test, an entry-level exam confirming mastery of travel industry basics

The program replaces 2023's 5th Edition. 

Since the January launch, nearly 300 aspiring travel advisors have enrolled using a $150 USD scholarship representing approximately 30 per cent savings, available through January.

The launch follows a recent Internova survey indicating an anticipated 15 per cent increase in consumer utilization of travel advisors for 2026, and LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise this year includes travel advisors.

TRIPKIT won a 2023 Magellan Gold Award.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.