Vol. 17, No. 3	Sept. 18, 1997

Travel certificate program offered

With the U.S. Department of Labor forecasting a 60 percent increase in employment in the travel and tourism business by the year 2000, the Division of Continuing Education is offering a new Travel Consultant Certificate Program this fall.

"The certificate program will provide the basic skills needed to compete for jobs in the industry-in airlines, travel agencies, cruise lines and as home-based travel agents," Matt Shipp, program manager for the certificate program, said.

"Travel Career Training" and "Reservation Computer Training" are the key courses in the certificate program.

Students with little or no experience must first take the travel career training course, which gives an introduction to domestic and international air travel, low-fare search techniques, vacation packages, tour operations and programs, cruise travel, ticketing and industry sales techniques. The eight-session course, which will be held evenings on the UD Wilmington Campus, 2700 Pennsylvania Ave., costs $295.

The comprehensive, 12-evening reservation computer training course will include an introduction to computer reservations systems. Students will learn basic formats for domestic and international ticketing, reservation planning, fare pricing, rental cars and hotel sales. Tuition is $595.

"This course will be held at a local travel agency in order for the students to experience an actual workplace atmosphere," Shipp said.

Steven Gatlin of Premium Travel will teach both core courses. With experience in cruises, tours, groups and international sales, Gatlin said a person who completes this program could find work as a travel agent, an airline reservationist or work with resorts or cruise lines.

A third course, "Travel Destination Geography," an optional supplement to the certificate program, also will be offered. This course is especially designed for those with an interest in travel for business or pleasure.

In addition, a "Home-based Agent Seminar" will be offered to explore the option of selling travel from home. It will include information on hardware and software requirements, industry affiliations, commission splits, necessary training and travel benefits.

Financial aid and placement assistance are available for the certificate program.

For information on dates, times and availability, please call 831- 3148.