Online travel courses can be taken over the Internet without having to travel to the physical school campus. This virtual education makes learning easy for students who are not able to travel to our in class courses. The objective is to train those who are interested in tour management to be professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and ethical.

The online travel course allows the teacher and student to be separated by time or space, or both, as the teacher provides course content through course management applications.

Our program should take the participant 50 - 80 hours to complete and may be done at your own pace. Various methods are used to provide information to the student. The resources used include: multimedia resources, the Internet, forums, webinars, reading material, video and email.

Online Travel Course Outline

Level One

Tour Operators, Destination Marketing Organizations, Tourism Industry Structure, Tour Director, Tour Leader, Tour Guide, Compensation for Services, Brochures, Types of Tours, Types of Services Provided, Research Commentary, Reference Material, Creativity, Mind Mapping, Bicycle Technique, Storytelling, Descriptions, New Technology/Software, Props, Culture, Current Events, Creating a City Tour, Understanding Timing, Attractions, Points of Interest, Routing, Sightseeing, Pre-trip Duties, Confirming Suppliers, Arrival/Departure Procedures, Rooming/Boarding Lists, Spot Time, Reservations, Packing Efficiently, Tour Preparation, Coach Entertainment, Props, Passengers Arrivals, Working with Suppliers, Briefings, Welcome/Farewell Functions, Role Clarification, Passenger Documentation

Level Two

Passenger Safety, Suppliers, Service Providers, Meet & Greet, Ethics, Day To Day Problems, Gratuities, Over the Road procedures, Hotel Check-Ins, Briefings, Service Payments, Technical Itinerary vs. Passenger Itinerary, Luggage Handling, Group Meals, Special Assistance, Group Information, Seat Rotation, Routing, Timing, Appropriate Stops, Communication Skills, Understanding Human Behavior, Group Dynamics, Problem Solving, Ego States, Listening, Conflict Resolution, Motivation, Establishing Credibility, On Tour Conduct, Group Leadership, Difficult passengers, Airline Delays/Cancellations, Jet Lag, Problem solving

Requirements:

The online travel course is the very similar to the “Professional Tour Manager Certification”. The big difference between the two is the length and detail within the program. The online course prepares participants to plan travel and act as a guide with a group. The certification course does the same with additional experiences in the field. The online course is different in that:

• Credit is not given for Field Experience

• Placement assistance is not provided

• Resume grooming is done on own

• A “Guide Training Certificate” is granted

Requirements:

1. Computer and internet access along with the knowledge of how to utilize both.

2. All materials are provided via the internet. No materials will be mailed to the participant.

3. Participants have one full year to complete assignments.

4. Assignments are to be handed in via the internet.