A message from the founders

The travel industry has become a major contributor to the global economy. It is exciting, dynamic and full of opportunity. Yet it also remains highly fragmented, ranging from multinational airlines and hotel groups to independent travel advisors, family-run tour operators and entrepreneurs selling locally made products to visitors. That diversity is one of its greatest strengths.

In the course of our careers, we have been privileged to work with leading airlines, hotel groups, travel agencies and tour operators, while witnessing the pace of technological change that continues to reshape our industry. We have seen first-hand the extraordinary diversity of careers that the travel and tourism industry offers, and the many talented people who have dedicated their working lives to it. Having benefited from the opportunities this industry gave us, we are passionate about helping create opportunities for the next generation.

As we recruited and developed people throughout our careers, one challenge became increasingly clear. It was also reinforced time and again through conversations with colleagues and industry leaders across the sector: there is a growing shortage of talent globally and, therefore, a need to attract young people to this industry.

There are, of course, universities and colleges offering degree courses, but most entry-level roles in travel and tourism do not require this level of qualification. For many, a university degree is also financially out of reach.

Yet there is no widely recognised, employer-informed pathway designed specifically for people preparing to enter our industry. Between traditional higher education and learning entirely on the job, there is very little else. This is the gap we set out to close in partnership with travel industry professionals across the major sectors.

The result is Travel Talent Academy: an affordable, industry-backed Professional Diploma, delivered online and designed specifically for entry-level careers in travel and tourism. Built mobile-first, it removes many of the traditional barriers to accessing professional travel education, enabling learners to study anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Study is entirely online and self-paced, with no classes to attend and no fixed timetable.

We set out to create the cross-sector career launch pad we believe the industry has been missing: one that showcases the breadth and diversity of the international travel and tourism industry, reflects the real skills employers want to see, and gives people the confidence to begin or develop their careers with genuine purpose.

We know Travel Talent Academy is only one part of the solution. Building stronger pathways into our industry will require employers, educators and industry leaders working together. Whether you are an employer looking to strengthen your talent pipeline, an educator interested in building new pathways, an investor who shares our vision, or someone starting to think about a career in travel and tourism, we would welcome the opportunity to work with you.