The Travel Institute launches new Course

The Travel Institute has released its newly created The Netherlands Destination Specialist Course—the fourth specialist course released this year by the global leader in travel agent education—following its Paris, Vietnam and Group Travel courses, all designed similarly to support agents’ specialized knowledge in destination or niche travel markets.

“Once again, we’ve done all the discovery and homework to deliver the true and timely information a travel agent wants and needs,” asserted Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education for The Travel Institute. “Travelers are increasingly attracted to The Netherlands and while there is infinite information online, agents have been left to wonder about accuracy. Our course takes the guesswork out and hones in on what agents need to know to create unforgettable travel experiences.”

The Netherlands’ travel and tourism market is on the rise1 given the country’s rich history and heritage, world-class art, iconic windmills, winding canals, and endless tulip fields, in addition to the recent, increasing popularity of many lesser-known attractions and landscapes. Further contributing to traveler demand, Amsterdam is planning a year-long celebration for its 750th birthday with “unmissable” events and activities starting in October 2024. The Netherlands course curriculum includes:

• An overview of the country: including cultural considerations for well-known cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague along with 10+ others
• By geography: must-see popular areas, cities, sights and attractions including suggested day trips; daytime and nighttime activities and entertainment; dining guidance including must-taste, local specialties; and unique experiences including “hidden gems”
• By region: cultural celebrations and events; custom-tailored itineraries for special interests such as art and music; cruising; food, spirits and breweries; shopping; countryside village exploration by bike or train; beaches and outdoor activities
• Practical travel knowledge such as passport and visa requirements; immigration and customs; currency considerations; intra-country transportation and accommodations; geography, climate and seasons; contacts and resources for travelers in need; and more
• A listing of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

AmaWaterways, a luxury river cruise line with itineraries in The Netherlands, is sponsoring the course as a resource to enable travel advisor success. “At AmaWaterways, we understand that empowering travel advisors with cutting-edge resources is key to staying ahead of industry trends,” shared Diane Horan, CTC, director of Strategic Partner Networks with AmaWaterways. “We are proud to sponsor the upcoming Netherlands course, providing advisors with invaluable insights into one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. The Travel Institute’s courses provide advisors with the tools they need to deliver exceptional service and personalized experiences, meeting the ever-evolving needs of today’s travelers. Our partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering advisors and elevating the travel experience for everyone involved.”

As with other specialist courses from the non-profit educator, The Netherlands course is available at no charge for The Travel Institute’s Premium Access online library subscribers, who enjoy advance releases of new curriculum. Delivered through a best-practice e-learning platform, The Netherlands online course is self-paced, incorporating expert industry insights, a desk reference guide, and tips designed to ensure traveler satisfaction, as well as interactive activities and progress quizzes to support comprehensive learning and retention.

Augmenting its Central Europe course, The Netherlands course further advances The Travel Institute’s plan to release additional destination content in response to its 2023 Changing Face of Travel Agents survey, which indicated destination knowledge as the top training need for 70% of agents while also highlighting that specialists earn an average 17.8% more annually. “We are committed to providing the bite-size, effective content that enables agents to be true advisors,” Botelho concluded.

Students who successfully complete The Netherlands Destination Specialist Course, pass their online exam and submit either a destination report or an experiential checklist earn standing as a Certified Travel Specialist for The Netherlands and—as applicable—continuing education units, or CEUs, toward maintaining certification from The Travel Institute. Agents use both designations to further market experience and expertise as a travel professional.