A leading US travel wholesaler will be at World Travel Market in London next week looking to recruit new graduates as it plans to double the size of an in-house training scheme.
Tourico Holidays’ Travel Academy is to accept more than 280 students in 2016 and grow to a total of 750 a year by 2018.
With an overall graduate retention rate of 91% over nearly two years, new academy hires are spurring dramatic company growth, allowing Tourico to offer a more partner-focused approach, according to the company.
The Travel Academy has received 7,200 total applicants in the first two years, including 1,550 from ‘Ivy League’ graduates.
But only 187 students, or 2%, have been accepted into the programme.
The training provides industry knowledge, technology experience, and business negotiation skills taught personally by company executives – including a two-week lesson from Tourico chief executive, Uri Argov.
“After an overwhelming number of extremely competitive applicants, coming from top schools across the world, we realised that we were in a strong position to increase the capacity of our in-house programme – and continue to fuel company growth,” Argov said.
“By 2018, we will be welcoming 750 skilled travel professionals a year into the company – all of which will have an intimate understanding of Tourico’s internal operations.”
Director of global recruitment, Kieran Le-Petit, chief operating officer, Asi Ginio, and other executives will be attending WTM looking for “top-tier talent”.
Students accepted into the Academy will receive a base pay during the 10-week course, full benefits, housing, meals and laptops.
Those successfully completing the course will have the opportunity to join the global travel wholesaler.
Le-Petit said: “We’re offering a unique opportunity that includes a paid, hands-on education from travel executives and the chance to start a travel career with a global company that is known for vertical professional mobility.
“WTM London is the perfect conference to meet face-to-face with a high volume of travel industry enthusiasts that we can introduce to the Tourico Academy.”