The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has announced that 600 specialist certificates were awarded to travel agents who received destination training, such as the France Destination Specialist Course, while attending the International Destination Expo (IDE) in Lyon, France, April 12-16.
The IDE is designed to immerse travel agents in the culture, attractions and travel business of each year's chosen destination. Niches studied include: European Rail Travel, France Soft Adventure and Western European Culinary Travel.
Certificates from this year's IDE were awarded in the following areas: European Rail Travel; France Soft Adventure; France Destination Specialist; Lyon, Beaujolais Countryside and Rhône Alps; Western European Cruise and River Barging; Western European Culinary Travel; Western European Honeymoons; and Western European Mature Adult Travel. A list of recently announced Destination Specialists from this year's event can be found at TravelSense.org.
Travel agents who completed destination certifications were provided with customizable press releases for their use in promoting their new specialties to their local media and communities. Additionally, they will be offered a complimentary one-year membership in the Specialty Travel Agents Association.
ASTA's IDE was attended by more than 1,000 travel professionals from 47 countries. The fourth IDE will be held in Sun City, South Africa, March 8-11, 2009, where agents will receive specialist training in South Africa destinations and other neighboring countries. Visit www.ASTA.org/events.