Marriott Updates Travel Agent Training Program

travel agentMarriott International reports it has updated its Hotel Excellence! (HE!) with flexible web access and new interactive learning modules. 

When first launched in 1999, Marriott had eight brands and 1,900 lodging properties across 56 countries and territories. Today, Marriott’s portfolio has grown to include 18 brands that appeal to a wide variety of travelers and more than 4,000 properties in 78 countries and territories around the world.

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The updated HE! program provides an overview of the hotel industry, while also educating agents about Marriott’s expanded portfolio. This includes information on the flagship Marriott Hotels brand, as well as details on the company’s newest hotel brands – the Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels and Protea Hotels

“A recent survey by the American Society of Travel Agents found that more than half of leisure travelers who used a travel agent said their vacations were better than trips booked without an agent,” said Stephanie Linnartz, executive vice president and chief marketing and commercial officer, Marriott International. 

“Marriott understands the value that travel agents provide to customers, which is why we are committed to our Hotel Excellence! training. We want agents to be equipped with the tools to help their clients book memorable vacations and productive business trips," said Linnartz.

Highlights of the program:

  • A new training platform that is flexible, convenient and accessible from any web-enabled device; travel agents can stop and restart their training and seamlessly transition to any smartphone, computer or tablet.
  • Self-paced, interactive learning modules help travel agents of all experience levels better understand the complex hotel industry, learn new sales strategies and gain in-depth knowledge about all that Marriott offers customers. 
  • Previous graduates must complete the new HE! program to be recertified for Fam-Tastic and Preferred Travel Agency status. Marriott will introduce new modules each year for recertification and to provide continuing education opportunities for agents to enhance their skills and learn about new Marriott offerings.
  • Eligible agents who successfully complete the training by January 31, 2015, will receive five Fam-Tastic certificates good for discounted rates at the majority of Marriott’s 4,000 hotels worldwide.
  • Available in 10 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian and Turkish.             

“With all the expanded choices travelers have today – as evidenced by the dramatic growth we’ve seen within Marriott’s array of unique and exciting brands and the industry as a whole – it’s never been more important to reassure travelers that their trusted travel agent will recommend the right product to match their needs,” said John Lovell, president, Travel Leaders Franchise Group, Leisure Group & Vacation.com

Visit www.marriott.com