Arizona Office of Tourism Launches Travel Agent Certificate Program

Media Contacts:
Contact: Tina Miller, Director of Communications
(623) 523-3589 Cell
tmiller@azot.gov

Kiva Couchon, Communications Manager
(480) 305-3393 Cell
kcouchon@azot.gov

Arizona Office of Tourism Launches Travel Agent Certificate Program

PHOENIX (September 17, 2008) — The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) has launched the Arizona Accreditation Program (AZAP) to provide U.S. and Canadian travel agents the opportunity to become a specialist on the Grand Canyon state.

AZAP is an online training program that consists of four courses on key Arizona travel information. The program then offers several quizzes that test the agent’s knowledge of the destination. Upon successful completion of the quizzes, agents receive certification, continuing education credits with the Travel Institute (an educational resource for the industry), eligibility for monthly prizes and a chance to win a spot on an Arizona familiarization trip.

“Many travel agents have become destination specialists focusing on a key country, region or state while others have become cruise specialists or safari experts,” said Margie A. Emmermann, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “This innovative program acknowledges this trend and provides a great way for travel agents to become more familiar with the amazing travel experiences found only in Arizona.”

AOT worked with Recommend Magazine to develop, promote and conduct the specialist program. The publication reaches more than 48,000 agents in the U.S. and Canada and has more than 13,000 active members. During the first year, AOT expects more than 500 agents to participate.

For more information and to access the program, visit www.recommend.com.

Created as an executive agency in 1975, the Arizona Office of Tourism, is charged with enhancing the state economy and the quality of life for all Arizonans by expanding travel activity and increasing related revenues through tourism promotion and development. AOT works to serve the Grand Canyon State’s travel industry and related businesses, the traveling public, and the taxpayers of Arizona.

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