From the very basics like how to book a hotel to niche topics (like the benefits of using a certain destination management company for a client), Fora’s travel agent classes teach advisors everything they need to know to build a thriving travel business they love. Below, we break down exactly how our online travel agent course provides value to industry beginners and experienced travel advisors alike.
“I came to Fora having zero travel advisor experience and couldn't have built and grown my business within a few months without the amazing classes/training provided” Fora Advisor Nadiah Ford said. “I started with all the foundational classes and now select topics based on my needs.”
(P.S. Interested in learning about all the aspects of how to become a travel agent? Our full guide has the intel you need to get started.)
Fora provides in-house training as part of its subscription
Travel agent training, including classes and labs, is a major part of Fora’s subscription service, which also includes access to lead-generating opportunities, a wealth of marketing resources, our in-house booking platform and a multitude of other tools.
Traditional travel agent classes were cost- & time-prohibitive
Before you could become a travel agent online, most travel agencies required some sort of prior travel agent education. There weren’t many options to learn while simultaneously building your business (which is what Fora facilitates). Critically, that means that the cost of enrolling in a travel agent school and then joining a travel agency were separate.
All of Fora’s travel agent coursework is online and be completed at your pace
If you’re interested in becoming a remote travel agent, online, asynchronous coursework makes such a career possible. Fora’s collection of travel agent classes is only available online and can be completed on your own schedule. Additionally, Fora hosts live labs and training sessions that can either be attended virtually or rewatched later — it’s completely up to you.
Fora’s core online travel agent courses
Fora’s travel agent classes are grouped into multiple tiers, starting with industry basics and ending with advanced courses that even well-established travel professionals will benefit from. Best of all, many of the early classes are optional (we understand that many of our new advisors are coming from other travel agent host agencies). Again, all trainings are easily accessible if you ever need a refresher.
We help you get started quickly with the basics & need-to-know information
The first group of travel agent courses welcomes you to Fora and first answers the question, “What does a travel agent do?” From here, we offer guides on how to make bookings at most major hotel groups, explain how Fora operates (including things like advisor support and our community) and cover the basics of building a new business while learning the travel industry.
The next tier of travel agent classes helps you become a Certified Fora Advisor
The next tier of travel agent classes is more involved and covers a range of topics, from using our tech tools and booking reservations beyond hotels to establishing your brand and marketing your business. Collaborative sessions where you work with Fora HQ members to develop adaptive skills are also available and designed to help you grow your travel business.
These classes end with an exam, which, combined with making your first booking, allows you to obtain travel agent certification.
Advanced travel agent classes & labs round out your skillset
Finally, advanced coursework allows dedicated Fora Advisors to further expand their skills and industry knowledge. These travel agent classes take another look at topics previously covered, along with plenty of new concepts — like how to work with destination management companies (DMCs) — but much more in-depth.
Advisors who make it all the way through this online travel agent course, make the requisite number of bookings and submit a portfolio demonstrating their expertise will earn an advanced certification to further indicate their travel knowledge and booking prowess.
Fora’s travel agent classes also cover partners, DMCs & more
Fora’s travel agent classes extend well beyond industry standards. Niche classes explore more esoteric (but nonetheless important) concepts in the travel industry, destination-specific coursework and more. Read on for a few examples.
Book Better: travel agent classes geared toward inclusive & eco-friendly travel
Fora’s Book Better program takes a deep dive into advocacy with travel agent classes that focus on things like accessible travel, sustainable tourism and LGBTQ+ travel. Each course explains how booking travel within these frameworks benefits travelers and the world, in addition to serving as a viable business model.
Partner training: cruises, Expedia TAAP, DMCs & more
Whether it’s learning how to become an Expedia TAAP travel agent or maximizing the benefits of a specific preferred partnership, such as Four Seasons Preferred or Hyatt Privé, Fora’s partner trainings allow advisors to build their relationship with select suppliers at the height of the travel industry.
Read more: How to Become a Disney Travel Agent
Destination trainings, from Africa to Asia
Destination-specific travel agent classes taught by experts with in-depth, up-to-date knowledge of their coverage areas offer an invaluable resource for Fora travel advisors. From Morocco to the south of France, New York City to Patagonia, advisors can learn about a variety of locations and coaching to boost their clients’ trips in ways that aren’t widely available elsewhere.
Ready to check out Fora’s travel agent classes for yourself?
Fora’s online travel agent courses cover everything from industry basics to advanced and niche topics. In turn, our travel advisors become experts who can curate incredible trips and experiences around the world for their clients. Intrigued? Apply to become a Fora Advisor today.
Or, if you’re still curious about what it’s like to be a travel advisor, check out these guides:
