Name of course: Ireland – The Agent’s Guide.
Offered by: Irish Ferries.
Established: 1999.
Number of agents presently taking course: 2,000.
Number of graduates: 1,100 have finished two modules.
Experience agents need to participate: None.
What the course involves: agents must complete four distance-learning modules, covering topics such as services and package holidays. Each module has a separate questionnaire, which takes roughly 30mins to fill in.
Cost: free.
Benefits of taking the course: agents who complete all four modules receive a certificate, a £25 Marks and Spencer voucher and a free return ticket to Ireland for a car and five passengers.
Comment by Nerys Wragg, acting branch manager, Co-op Travelcare, Hillsborough, Sheffield: “I have found the course very helpful because there was a lot in it about Ireland as well as Irish Ferries. You do have to read through the whole module to find the answers. I plan to do all four modules.”
Contact for details: Irish Ferries’ reservations: 08705 171717.