ATP TO BECOME TRAVEL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL STANDARD

Date published: 09 October 2008

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The ATP – Accredited Travel Professional - scheme, developed by ABTA, in association with ITT and People 1st, is the travel industry standard for continuous professional development. The scheme charts an individual’s career progress in the travel industry by recognising qualifications and experience. Once membership is gained, progress is recognised through a points scheme. Qualifications attained and seminars attended are all awarded ‘ATP points’, which can take individuals onto the next level of membership, currently bracketed as bronze, silver and gold.

The Co-operative Travel Group has now joined a growing band of companies including Carlson Wagonlit, Knock Travel, Sunvil, Hoseasons, Oasis Travel, ace, Open University, Training for Travel, Intraining, Travel Uni and Online Travel Training, who have all committed to raising professional standards. In addition, the Co-operative Travel Group are enabling in excess of 2,000 of its employees to sign up to The ATP scheme.

Mike Greenacre, Managing Director of The Co-operative Travel, was hopeful that by endorsing the scheme, a universal standard could be established for the whole travel industry.  “We are 100 per cent behind the ATP scheme, and by giving our support we want to encourage other industry partners in all sectors to come on-board to make this standard a reality,” he said. “I have long been concerned, that until ATP was formed, there was no formal industry standard to assist employers in recognising individuals with potential for career development. It is essential that in the future there is a much wider pool of talent to help create a more professional industry, recognised by employers and customers alike.”

Initially, The Co-operative Travel pledged 530 learners to the scheme, but believes that ATP will be such a valuable tool in boosting standards that all employees should be able to join for free.

In order to be assessed as to which level a professional has reached, qualifications and experience are compared or ‘mapped’ to the national occupational standards.

Over the past few months, The Co-operative Travel Group has submitted all of its training programmes to be mapped.

Jayne Webb, Head of Human Resources at The Co-operative Travel, said: “We have always been committed to raising standards, but initially we were conservative about what the ATP scheme could do for us. But we now believe the ATP scheme is fundamental in recognising and encouraging professionalism within our industry and we believe that all our staff can benefit from signing up.

“As the largest independent travel retailer in the UK, we are hoping that this scheme will create a benchmark for travel professionals and a standard for everyone in the industry to aspire to. This in turn will benefit the customer and ultimately the industry as a whole.  At The Co-operative Travel we are really excited and enthusiastic about ATP, and are very much looking forward to seeing it develop over the months and years ahead,” concluded Webb.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “By helping to develop and joining the ATP scheme, The Co-operative Travel Group has sent out a clear signal that they are committed to high professional standards. This can only help to emphasise the importance that knowledge and expertise can bring in enhancing the reputation of our industry.”

Others who have signed up to ATP added:

Bruce Martin Operations Director, New Frontiers said: "We're committed to enabling companies create relevant, agent-friendly training so it's vitally important for us that our training is independently accredited by ATP to ensure quality."
 
Sally Oakey, Travel Uni said: “For the last 6 years, Travel Uni has been actively working with agents eager to develop their skills through training.  Now we are really excited to be involved with the ATP scheme as it finally gives national recognition to the qualifications and experience they gain. Those who commit their time and energy to continuous professional development justly deserve to be
acknowledged within the industry and beyond.  Training is the hallmark of success in the travel trade and this scheme ensures those who train gain the respect and kudos they so richly deserve.”

For further information

Frances Tuke    
ABTA PR Manager   
Tel. 020 7307 1903   
Mobile: 07850 712 325 

Craig Brownsell
Senior PR Officer – The Co-operative Travel
Tel: 0161 827 5774
Mobile: 07843 648467

Notes to editors