Thomas Cook focuses on agent training
Having partnered with many an NTO, Thomas Cook India's Centre of Learning will now look at getting more states onboard after its successful stint with Madhya Pradesh Tourism recently, to create training modules as well as to conduct them.
The Centre of Learning's (COL) ‘Train the Travel Agent’ programs are developed on behalf of several tourism boards and delivered to the travel fraternity across India. According to Smeeta Gulvady, Vice President & Head (Centre of Learning), TCI, the centre has thus far trained travel agents on behalf of Switzerland Tourism, Tourism Authority of Thailand, National Israel Tourism Office in India, Canada Tourism Commission, Czech Tourist Authority, Egypt Tourism Office, and Vienna Tourist Board.
“In fact, we are partnering with Switzerland Tourism for the fourth year in a row now. Similar trainings will be launched shortly for other tourism boards and service providers. While we have a few collaborations in the pipeline, we cannot divulge the information as of now,” she adds.
The COL had also recently tied up with Madhya Pradesh Tourism which was its first ever tie up with any state tourism board. “Earlier all the tie-ups we had done were with international tourism boards. We have been awarded training in 20 cities across India for MP Tourism and the timing of the training has been kept in accordance with festive seasons like Diwali, Dusshera, and Christmas,” Gulvady says. The centre completed training in 10 cities with more than 300 agents and is looking forward to more such trainings. Its focus was on products – from its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, sanctuaries to other natural attractions besides the village circuits.
She adds, “The aim of this initiative was to make people think of Madhya Pradesh when they think of a holiday. New agents can also get enrolled for the training programs. It is encouraging to see the government making efforts to harness the tourism potential in the country. However, it is imperative to create an awareness programs. Trainings at our centre are focused and interactive where we educate agents and tour operators on diversified products available within the destination.” The COL has also tied up with Tourism Authority of Thailand. It has completed the first phase with six cities and is now working on launching the second phase of the training.
Leena Karkera, former Resident Manager in Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC), who had spearheaded the training with COL said, “Thomas Cook’s COL travelled to all 20 cities we had identified to train the agents. We also took them on a familiarisation after the training to show our properties.” Since then, Ashok Arora has taken over as MPTDC’s Resident Manager in Mumbai.
We have been awarded training in 20 cities across India for MP Tourism and the timing of the training has been kept in accordance with festive seasons like Diwali, Dusshera, and Christmas.
Smeeta Gulvady Vice President & Head (Centre of Learning), TCI