GSA expands training initiatives in 2010 for staff and agents

General sales agent, Travel the World has undertaken one of its largest training initiatives with staff – a shared circumnavigation cruise of Australia onboard Holland America Line. A majority of Travel the World’s 55 staff participated in back to back legs of the Australian circumnavigation cruise by ms Volendam, which took place between 14 March and 17 April 2010.

The experience provided staff with a greater understanding of the premium cruising experience that Holland America Line is known for, whilst also presenting an opportunity for Travel the World staff to meet the people responsible for the cruise line’s renowned service.

“Staff training is vital to the success and growth of Travel the World. It is important that we build upon the skills of our team, invest in professional development and empower staff through a more detailed and intimate level of product knowledge,” said Andrew Millmore, Managing Director of Travel the World.

Travel the World staff across all departments – from sales and marketing through to customer service and management – sailed on two to five night segments of the circumnavigation cruise on ms Volendam and undertook 27 Ship Inspections in ports around Australia, which were attended by 2,500 travel industry representatives, guests and members of the general public.  Staff also familiarised themselves with the ship’s facilities and were required to report back on a specific element of the premium cruise experience ranging from the dining choices onboard, accommodation options including staterooms and suites and the children’s facilities.

“Our commitment to training is ongoing and is fundamental in providing knowledge to clients and we will continue to maximise training opportunities for staff as well as agents in the future,” said Andrew Millmore.

Travel the World has a comprehensive range of training initiatives underway in 2010 including up-skilling staff with time management, presentation and computer skill courses; leadership training for team managers; and product famils for staff onboard Windstar and Tauck river cruising. Agents will also be trained on key cruise lines including a top achievers agency famil on the inaugural sailing of Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam.