New training academy to boost trade knowledge of inclusive travel

A global training academy is being launched to help travel agents and the wider industry develop the “confidence and competence” to sell inclusive travel experiences.

The Inclu Global Travel Academy (IGTA), due to go live in early summer, has been set up by Inclu Travel Group, which specialises in creating services and support for disabled consumers.

It will offer an online programme spanning different sectors of the travel and tourism industry, including hospitality, destination management companies, transport and aviation as well as travel distribution.

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The agent programme will offer five levels: gateway, foundation, inclusive travel advisor, inclusive luxury travel designer and inclusive luxury travel concierge.

Group chief executive and founder Richard Thompson, who is himself disabled, hopes IGTA will bridge the “knowledge, confidence and capability gap” to realise the “true potential” of the disabled travel market.

He said: “Research shows agents’ desire to acquire the professional competency to service clients with specific access and inclusivity requirements. While ‘certified’ training is offered by some agencies, these are often basic, bolt-on modules.”

Thompson said IGTA is designed as a platform to build practical skill sets across the industry.  

Research shows agents’ desire to gain the competency to serve clients with access and inclusivity requirements

“We aim to establish IGTA accreditation as a stamp of real value and deliver a supported pathway of professional development,” he added.

The initial ‘no obligation’ gateway level, offered free of charge, will cover the opportunities and challenges of putting together inclusive travel experiences, so agents can decide if they want to progress further. 

Foundation level, likely to cost £49, will cover the key principles of disability, accessibility, inclusivity awareness and etiquette, to ensure advisors communicate confidently and safely with customers.

The inclusive travel advisor programme will focus on how to gather the right information, undertake due diligence and recommend appropriate products.

The higher accreditation levels will focus on delivering more-complex itineraries, with the concierge level likely to be invitation-only. Advisors completing higher levels will gain preferential access to Inclu Travel Group’s luxury product via its new tour operation, set to launch later this year.