TA expands online training program to ITOs

By admin


Tourism Australia has opened up its online training to include Australia-based inbound tour operators (ITO) for the first time.

The Aussie Specialist Program (ASP) has historically been available to overseas-based travel agents.

But a review of Tourism Australia’s distribution has led to ITOs being given access to the training modules.

“The way we distribute and sell Australian tourism product is something we’ve been looking at closely in recent months, to see whether there are areas we can improve,” TA managing director Andrew McEvoy said.

“Given its popularity and success with agents and wholesalers overseas, we know the Aussie Specialist Program works and see a real opportunity to extend the resource to inbound tour operators here in Australia.”

The expansion of the ASP follows a pilot study conducted by the Australian Tourism Export Council with its ITO members.

All agreed the training modules were relevant and beneficial.

ATEC chairman John King said: “Based on positive feedback from a recent trial that we spearheaded, we’re confident this training package will be very well supported amongst our ITOs, particularly amongst new staff, providing them with the right level of support and training to sell Australia even more effectively.”

The ASP will be available to ITOs from today.

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