Brand USA, the official marketing organization for the U.S., has announced the launch of a new online agent-training program for agents in the U.K. and Ireland, according to BreakingTravelNews.com. The program, called the USA Discovery Program, is an online learning tool to enable the travel industry in the U.K. and Ireland to better market the U.S. to clients planning a trip.
The website brings straightforward information right to the agents fingertips, informing them about the regions and U.S. states, as well as experiences and holiday themes that can provide an overview of the U.S. as a destination to travelers, allowing agents to cross-sell on all aspects of travel to the U.S.
The program also has interactive quizzes to allow agents to become USA Specialists and receive award badges that recognize their qualification of expertise. The USA Discovery Program assists agents to learn more about the U.S. as well as the different aspects of travel available in the country, such as winter sports and family holidays.
Travel agents have complete flexibility in taking the course, allowing them to learn at their own pace and as their schedule allows. Five tests are required before agents can take the specialist modules, which are more experienced based. Once agents pass the quizzes, they become USA Specialists, such as a Fly-Drive Specialist or a Great Outdoors Specialist.
The launch of the program starts with three specialist experience modules, including Big City Buzz, the Great Outdoors and Winter Sports. Brand USA plans to add Food and Drink, Music/Heritage/Culture, Fly-Drive, Coastal Escapes and Family.
The platform will include a social aspect, integrating the program with Facebook and Twitter, as well as hosting an online forum where agents can talk to each other and share knowledge or ask questions. There will also be live events such as webinars, video training sessions and live Q&As to keep agents up to date on the newest information about travel in the U.S.
Agents will also receive invitations to attend exclusive events, roadshows and chances to participate in trips to the U.S. to increase their familiarity with the country, such as the Brand USA Megafam.
The purpose of this campaign is to reclaim the share of the market the U.S. has in travel and to position the U.S. as a diverse destination with almost limitless experiences to be explored. Brand USA aims to become the worlds leading tourism destination for U.K. and Irish travelers.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
