At its conference today in Costa Mujeres, The Advantage Travel Partnership said that this year it would be offering more training and development services to its members than ever before, with additional training initiatives continuing to be being rolled out later in 2024.

In June, the Partnership will be offering its members a training programme aimed at frontline travel consultants. Called Frontliners, the course is targeted at sales staff, helping educate them on all the products and services that are available to them from Advantage’s portfolio. It will also include sessions on how to sell more cruise and how to overcome key challenges in their customer-facing roles. Speed-dating sessions will also be offered – giving frontline staff the opportunity to connect with suppliers and members.

A new Travel Consultant training programme is also being introduced, ideal for those who are new to travel and those seeking a refresher programme, who have possibly returned to the travel industry.  The course will cover a wide range of topics including customer service, sales, travel planning and industry legislation. The training will also feature training from some of the industry's key suppliers and focus on some important industry sectors including cruise, touring and ski. Advantage partner, AS Training, will deliver the programme, which will be available to all members throughout the UK.

A Mentoring and Executive coaching programme will also be rolled out, aimed at giving business owners and travel managers, the opportunity to work with a mentor and to develop a peer-to-peer support network. This cohort approach will be delivered virtually providing a platform to share experiences and find practical solutions to everyday challenges. The aim of the programme is not only to provide support but to help travel managers develop the skills and experience for them to develop their leadership skills personally.

Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer said: “We know running a business can be challenging and sometimes lonely. The executive coaching programme will allow business owners to work alongside an executive coach on a one-to-one basis, to help develop their business in a way that helps an owner achieve their goals and ensure that their business is working for them. The coach will work with business owners to identify their strengths, challenges, and opportunities, and provide feedback, guidance, and support to help them grow and excel.”

In November and December, Advantage will also deliver a training initiative called Peak Performers, to help members prepare for the busy peaks campaign ahead. Focussing on sales and customer service, these interactive sessions will be ideal for those looking to hone their sales skills or those who may be new to a sales role. In addition, members will be able to meet and learn from a number of Advantages key suppliers, to ensure they are fully prepared to maximise the busy peaks booking period.

Cookes added: “Through investing significantly in our Business Development team over the past 18 months we have been able to assess what training needs there are amongst our membership and develop a robust proposition that meets their needs.”