Training Profile is a new regular feature that looks at travel training courses and what they can offer to agents.
Name of course:
Ireland Experts Programme.
Offered by:
Irish Tourist Board.
Established:
1996.
Number of agents presently taking course:
1,200.
Number of graduates:
2,000.
Experience agents need to participate:
None.
What the course involves:
Complete seven self-study modules and test papers. The course covers the destination, people, culture and activities. Transport services and tour operators are also featured. The course takes around six months to complete.
Cost:
£25 per agent or £10 per agent for groups of six or more.
Benefits of taking the course:
Successful candidates receive an ABTA destination certificate on Ireland. They can also compete in the Ireland Experts Travel Consultant of the Year competition.
Comment by Mike Bridges, CBT International Travel, Rossendale,Lancashire.
“It is a brilliant course. I was on one of the first distance-learning courses, which are easy to work and well designed. The format is good. It has really given me excellent knowledge of the Irish product. I have been to Ireland six or seven times with different suppliers since completing the course and these educationals have helped improve my awareness of the country as a whole.”
Contact for details:
Damien O’Brien at the ITB on 020-7518 0810.