As part of a new partnership between CLIA and host agency Avoya Travel, CLIA will serve as the preferred professional development and introductory travel education provider for new-to-travel professionals opening an Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network.

Avoya Travel is based in the U.S. but has a small but growing number of members in Canada.

“We are thrilled that Avoya Travel views CLIA’s professional development as such a valuable asset for providing industry-best support that they are utilizing our resources for the Independent Agencies in the Avoya Travel Network,” said Stephani McDow, Director, Membership and Professional Development, CLIA.

She adds: “This partnership truly highlights CLIA’s professional development as the leading program in the industry for both experienced travel agents and new-to-travel professionals who want to grow their sales skills, agency business, and cruise planning expertise.”

Working with CLIA reflects Avoya Travel’s long-standing commitment to integrity and professionalism, and Avoya’s leadership in establishing a Network of “expert travel professionals that are supported in delivering the best cruise and vacation planning experiences to customers,” says Steven Hirshan, Senior Vice President of Sales Development at Avoya Travel.

“Avoya Travel is excited to partner with CLIA to provide high caliber education for the rapidly growing number of new-to-travel professionals entering the industry and affiliating with the Avoya Travel Network.”

Through the partnership, new-to-travel professionals affiliating with the Avoya Network can join CLIA with Avoya’s member rate and take a series of CLIA courses prior to affiliation. With education in selling skills, customer service, cruising, geography, and more, the CLIA courses are all designed to give new-to-travel Avoya Network members the knowledge and foundation needed to achieve early success with their Independent Agencies, begin claiming more Avoya Live Leads (new customers sent directly to Independent Agencies) sooner, and booking more exceptional vacations.

As a Premier Agency Member of CLIA, Avoya provides all Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network access to Individual Agent Memberships at a reduced rate as well as exclusive, members-only professional development programs, bonus commissions, and travel perks, as well as education sessions and other resources to set them apart as credible, expert cruise and travel professionals, says Avoya.