The Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association and Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the re-launch of their travel agent specialist website, www.BlackHillsAgent.com. The re-launch will provide an updated look and feel to the existing program while enhancing online resources, destination information and providing exclusive commissions for Black Hills Specialists.
The program is an industry leading online study course designed especially for travel agents in the U.S. and Canada. The program started in 2001 and already has over 787 accredited Black Hills Specialists. The original program offered a variety of tools to help agents sell the region throughout the years. With the re-launch of the site, agents will now have enhanced digital sales collateral like: e-brochures, social media, an enhanced digital photo and video library, destination maps, and more.
"We're very excited and thrilled about the launch of our new Travel Agent website," said Noreen Phipps, director of travel trade promotions for Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association. "This site is exclusively for agents and incorporates all of the latest e-tools and digital resources. It's sure to make the educational process and selling the Black Hills to clients a totally hassle-free experience."
Additional benefits of participating in the program include exclusive Specialist commissions on lodging, air, car rental, attractions, tours and shuttles through Black Hills Central Reservations. The program also provides Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) through the Travel Institute (4 CEUs) and the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (3 CEUs). As an added benefit to current Black Hills specialists, those who wish to retake the exam may to do so in order to earn the additional credits but it is not required.
Agents can visit www.BlackHillsAgent.com to sign up to begin the free course. Once signed up, agents will receive ongoing e-news with Specialist program updates, educational opportunities, events and destination news to support and enhance their Black Hills destination expertise.