New Steps to Success Online Provides Self-Learning Option for Travel Trade Training
IITA and education partner Alon Tourism Solutions recently launched an online version of IITA’s Inbound Insider Steps to Success™ program for individuals to learn why and how to pursue international inbound business working with the travel trade. The online experience provides tools, resources, and the know-how to work effectively with inbound operators to reach international visitors.
Typically, IITA's Inbound Insider Steps to Success™ inbound travel training program, powered by Alon, is delivered in partnership with DMOs as a series of workshops for their constituents that start with an introduction to the international side of travel and tourism and working with the travel trade, and subsequent sessions diving deeper into the strategy, principles, and tactics for effectively building international business. The program has been implemented in many destinations across the U.S. Yet, the pace of turnover in the travel industry called for an innovative way to reach more travel and tourism organizations, faster, to ensure the country is international ready.
The partnership between IITA and Alon Tourism Solutions has been transformative to the USA inbound tourism industry, combining the critical expertise of Alon Tourism Solutions with the national reach of the association to connect inbound travel trade partners with DMOs and tourism businesses. Steps to Success is the ultimate guide for developing international business—covering everything from the basics to detailed, industry-specific techniques.
“We’ve been training DMOs and suppliers throughout the country for several years, and still have reached a mere fraction of the industry with the education and tools needed to effectively and cooperatively grow international business to the U.S.,” said Lisa Simon, IITA’s CEO/Executive Director. “We knew we needed to be creative to find a way to broaden our reach. Steps to Success Online is the solution.”
The program features insights from seasoned experts in the travel industry, real-world scenarios, interactive modules with videos, downloadable resources, quizzes, and action plans. These elements have been carefully designed to ensure participants remain engaged while learning at their own pace.
“Together, we've designed a pioneering online program to equip every tourism stakeholder and DMO in the USA with foundational knowledge and specialized strategies for effectively engaging with the travel trade. It acknowledges the unique differences across tourism verticals and DMOs, ensuring a tailored approach for everyone involved,” said Jennifer Ackerson, founder, Alon Tourism Solutions.
“Developing the online course was an incredible journey. Drawing on my experience with diverse industry sectors allowed me to identify solutions to common challenges and create top-tier strategies that enhance marketing efforts and empower tourism professionals in the tour and travel market. It's a thrill to see this vision come to life!”
In addition to individuals taking the program on their own, DMOs and corporate suppliers can purchase multiple registrations at volume pricing for their constituents/teams to have access to the program. For more information, contact Connor De Vos from Alon Tourism Solutions or IITA.