KUONI
is to revamp its agent training with a new long-haul diploma culminating in a
Survivor-style battle in an exotic destination.
The
operator, which already has a long-haul college, is launching its first
Longhaul Diploma of 11 compulsory long-distance learning modules. Agents
gaining a distinction will fight for an ultimate prize in the tropics.
The
new diploma will replace the existing Longhaul Consultant of the Year contest
and is described as a far tougher test of agents’ knowledge.
Kuoni’s
existing educationals and training days will continue, but agents will now have
the chance to compete for the new qualification.
The
new diploma introduces a supervised exam, a graduation ceremony and a
certificate for those who pass.
Agents
who attend overseas educationals and pass a selling skills examination on that
destination will get extra marks.
Those
graduating with distinctions for the diploma will be tested further at a new
Longhaul Academy at an unnamed destination to discover which agent is the best
of the best.
Head
of marketing Nathan Philpot said: “We want it to be really tough otherwise it
will have no credibility.
“The
best of the best will go to an exotic destination and we will set up tests on a
knock-out basis. There will be no hand-holding; consultants will be on their
own.”
He
has held talks with agency consortia in the hope the new diploma could win
industry-wide recognition to help agents advance their careers.
Philpot
said: “While our current programme has great travel opportunities, it doesn’t
offer anything to put on a CV.
“We’re
trying to encourage more self-study and give something back to consultants.
This will be harder but they’ll get a certificate once they’ve done it.”
A
third party will mark the papers and agents can achieve a pass, merit or
distinction grade.
The diploma will be limited to 1,500 entrants in its
first year, and less than 150 agents are expected to make it to the academy
stage. The diploma starts this month, with the modules completed by October.
The academy is likely to take place at the end of the year.