Published in Travel Weekly

April 10, 2000

Training Courses on Web offer Time-Saving Learning Options

Most agents want to improve their skills by learning about new phenomena such as the internet.

However, it seems that many struggle to find the time and the resources to invest in training.

At the same time, the closure of some traditional travel schools reduces the options. What is an agent to do?

The Internet itself may help solve this dilemma.

New web-based training courses allow an agent to train without traveling and possibly without missing any time in the office.

They offer lessons that can be completed at your own pace and they have the added benefit of helping agents learn how to use an important tool while enhancing their professional skills.

The following is a list of a few sources for on-line training courses that may provide a way for you to get the training you need without the sacrifices that classroom training may require.

CLIA's Cruise Academy
In-depth training for cruise sales
www.cliaacademy.com

Cyber Travel Specialist
Web-based agent training on using the Internet for travel research
www.cybertravelspecialist.com

TheAcademy.com
Agent-specific courses through on-line training school
www.theacademy.com

Travel Education Center
Entry-level training program on line
www.traveleducation.com

Viasinc
On-line agent training for CRSs
www.viasinc.com

This list was compiled by Greg Merkley, president of Evanston, Ill.-based Travel Technology & Magic, which owns and operates the PositiveSpace on-line directory for travel agents at www.positivespace.com. All of these sites, along with complete contact information, are listed on PositiveSpace.