Details of upcoming professional development courses for Virtuoso advisors in Australia and New Zealand were confirmed at this week’s Forum in Fiji.
As exclusively revealed by LATTE earlier this month, the global luxury travel network will introduce the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor course to the AU/NZ market this year. The VCTA program comprises a series of modules that are spread across four days of learning, designed to assist owner-managers who want to drill down on topics for their staff. Intensive Deep Dives are also on the agenda this year.
Michele Duncan, the recently appointed Regional Professional Development and Training Specialist – Australia and NZ, told delegates attending the Virtuoso Owner Managers Forum – “as the travel industry continues to evolve and becomes more complex, travel advisors are finally being recognised as the professionals they are, and seen to provide the skills, knowledge and expertise that travellers today demand.”
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“Virtuoso’s commitment to investing in the training and development of its members is a timely and strategic move complementing this,” she said.
“In this fast-paced travel world, it’s essential that businesses keep up with the latest trends and developments, and the travel industry is no exception. And investing in professional development training is key to staying ahead of the competition.”
Duncan told owner-managers that creating a culture of learning and engagement within their agencies, and investing in their employees “creates a sense of ownership and loyalty”.
“You foster an environment that values growth and development. It not only helps to create future leaders from within your organisation, which is another big plus, but it also shows that the business is heading in the right direction with employees who are well-equipped to handle challenges and seize opportunities.”
Duncan said through the VCTA, Virtuoso is “setting the standard in the industry” and that she is confident the professional development will lead to increased satisfaction for clients, advisors and the owner-manager.
As foreshadowed by LATTE a few weeks ago, the VCTA training has been confirmed for both virtual and in-person training. Hosted by Duncan, the virtual program will be held from 11-14 July 2023 and the face-to-face program will be conducted at The Langham, Gold Coast from 17-20 October 2023.
“This course is critical for our region as it will empower the transition from transactional travel agent to professional trusted advisor,” Duncan explained.
She added that the small group learning experience provides a “dynamic curriculum, ensuring participants receive personalised attention and support”. Graduates from the previous VCTA courses are among the highest caliber of Virtuoso advisors, with increased earning power, up to 72% higher, she added.
The regional professional development and training educator will also conduct one-day Deep Dives in June and
The 5 June 2023 Deep Dive is centred on the topic of ‘Life lives in language: Why should I book with you?’ It will be hosted at Kimpton Margot Hotel in Sydney.
Another Deep Dive will be hosted virtually over four weeks in November, with the topic ‘Every Batman needs a Robin; Hiring the Right Assistant for you”.
For further details and to register, contact Duncan.
Lead image: Some of the Virtuoso AU/NZ team at the Forum in Fiji. From left are: Kara Heaslip, Nikki Glading, Fiona Dalton, Michele Duncan and Bhavini Aggarwal.