Underscoring the growth in travel by the disabled, The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that it will recognize and accept the Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate achievement for CLIA Certification credit.
The program was introduced on November 14th, 2011 and to date just shy of 400 Agent professionals have earned their Accessible Travel Advocate Certification.
The certification was created to familiarize Travel Industry Professionals with a fundamental understanding of the size, scope, opportunities, and needs of the Accessible Travel/Special Needs market as well as how to serve this growing market segment, CLIA says.
Bob Sharak, CLIA executive vice president of marketing and distribution noted: “Over 20 percent (63 Million) of the North American population have a form of disability and this number will only increase as the Baby Boom Generation continues to turn 65 at the rate of 10,000 people per day. This program provides CLIA Members with the knowledge base to confidently serve a largely untapped customer base.”
Agents who are enrolled in CLIA Certification and successfully complete the one hour, three module curriculum simply include a copy of their SNG Certification Certificate in the CLIA Certification “Captains Log” to receive CLIA Certification credit.
Special Needs Group President Andrew Garnett commented: “Our goal in creating this industry-first training was to provide all travel professionals with non-commercial content that would allow them to differentiate themselves, expand their client base and deliver more value in the marketplace”.
For information on the SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate program visit www.specialneedsatsea.com/certification-program or www.cruising.org.
