Travellers Choice has celebrated the first graduates of its ProAdvance training programme, with 12 agents completing the six-month course.
The initiative is designed to prepare experienced travel agents for future agency management and ownership roles.
The programme combined self-paced learning modules with monthly Zoom masterclasses. Topics included leadership development, strategic communication, people management and innovative thinking. Participants also gained practical skills in financial forecasting and reporting.
Jonty Southam from Home and Afar in Newcastle in New South Wales said the programme helped strengthen her leadership skills. She also valued the opportunity to connect with other emerging industry leaders and share professional experiences.
Michelle Sorgiovanni, Office and Logistics Manager at Villa Holiday Your Way in Busselton in WA highlighted the course’s focus on team management. She said it provided useful strategies for handling workplace challenges and developing greater confidence in leadership roles.
Georgia Charlton, Senior Travel Advisor at Panorama Cruise & Travel in Bathurst, NSW, said the programme helped her understand the transition from consultant to manager.
“It’s about more than simply ticking a box; it’s about understanding how to wear many different hats and recognising the work you need to do to ensure you have the skills to lead a team,” Ms Charlton said.
Michelle Sorgiovanni
Georgia Charlton
Jonty Southam
She also welcomed the programme’s focus on experienced consultants, noting that industry training often concentrates on newcomers and agency owners.
The course provided an opportunity for established agents to develop their leadership capabilities and prepare for career progression.
