In response to the rapidly evolving landscape of the travel industry, the Travel Institute has launched an updated version of its Travel Agency Business Planning course, tailored specifically to the growing demographic of independent contractors. As more travel advisors opt to work independently rather than under traditional agency structures, the new curriculum is designed to address their unique needs as business owners navigating an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.
Guida Botelho, the Travel Institute’s senior director of education, emphasized that the core mission of the course is to reframe how independent contractors and agency owners view their roles. “This course is about ICs and agency owners being business owners first and travel experts second,” she explained. This shift in perspective reflects broader industry trends, as data collected by the Travel Institute shows a dramatic increase in the number of independent contractors over the past fifteen years. In 2008, only 29% of travel advisors worked independently, but by 2023, that number had surged to 71%. This transformation has required new strategies and support systems, which the revamped course aims to provide.
The redesigned curriculum now includes an in-depth focus on goal setting, financial planning, and operational efficiency. Participants are guided through creating measurable business objectives, crafting realistic financial projections, and establishing effective budgeting practices. The course also walks advisors through various business forms and procedural tools that can help streamline their daily operations. These additions aim to instill a more structured, entrepreneurial mindset in travel professionals who may be excellent at creating travel experiences but lack formal business training.
One standout feature of the course is its emphasis on practical application. Through interactive exercises and downloadable templates, advisors are encouraged to actively engage with the material and begin applying it directly to their own business models. The course also includes expert tips and insights from seasoned industry professionals who understand the nuances of running a travel business in today’s fast-paced digital age. This makes the course not just an academic exercise but a hands-on guide that advisors can return to again and again.
Botelho mentioned that the course typically takes around three hours to complete, making it a manageable yet impactful commitment for busy professionals. More than just a one-time learning opportunity, the course is designed to function as a long-term reference tool. Advisors can revisit the materials whenever they need to reassess goals, update financial plans, or improve operational efficiency.
The Travel Institute offers the course at no cost to subscribers of its Premium Access program, while non-subscribers can purchase it for $49. This accessibility underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting professional development at all stages of a travel advisor’s career. By modernizing the course and aligning it with the needs of today’s independent contractors, the Travel Institute continues to reinforce its role as a leader in travel education and professional growth.
