19 March 2008

Ã¢â¬ÅâœPassport to the WorldÃ¢â¬~ Makes Global Debut in Sydney

Improved destination knowledge and increased product knowledge leads to enhanced sales, said Sue Langley late last week at the global launch in Sydney of whatÃ¢â¬â¢s said to be the only interactive on-line travel industry training programme in the world.

Based around a series of country-specific modules, Passport to the World is designed as a training and learning tool, Director, Training People Worldwide, said.

A wide range of topics and questions normally encountered by travel agents have been included in each destination module ranging from how to get there, visa requirements and health and currency to customs, culture and accommodation.

Modules for Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, France and the Czech Republic as well as key destinations in China and South America have already been produced and uploaded to the password protected www.passport2theworld.com.

Key destinations in India will be available on line by the end of the month, she said.

More destination modules such as Australian Islands will be progressively introduced while agents can request that modules be developed for a specific destination. We are looking at developing around 30 destination modules, she added.

Updates to modules will be made on a regular basis Ã¢â¬' either monthly or quarterly as information changes.

One of the unique aspects of Passport to the World is that modules can be purchased as required. The introductory price of $50 per module or $200 for 5 modules in place until the end of July incorporates on-line access for a year.

Self assessment learning in combination with participation in a number of on-line activities can be undertaken individually or on a group basis as bulk licenses are available at reduced prices.

Only registered users will be eligible to enter the completion for Destination Dude and Destination Diva of the year.

This announcement at the end of the year will be the cornerstone of a gala dinner function featuring a travel quiz with Ã¢â¬Åâœserious prizesÃ¢â¬~ for winners who really know their destinations, she said.

The Melbourne launch of Passport to the World will be held on April 3 with subsequent events set for June 3 in Brisbane, July 2 in Perth and July 9 in Adelaide.

A sample module for the fictitious country of Moldonia can be freely accessed by logging on to the website.

Further details can be obtained by contacting Sue Langley at sue@trainingpeopleworldwide.com, mobile 0427 990907.

Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMoleÃ¢â¬â¢s Travel and Lifestyle Editor