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  1. Programs
  2. Destination Specialist (DS)

Destination Specialist (DS)

The Travel Institute

Course

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

Our Destination Specialist courses focus on the geography, culture, essential sites and attractions, travel tips, and sample itineraries that help you create memorable vacations for your clients. Along the way, your study will provide you with information to enhance their appreciation of what they will be seeing, tasting, hearing, and even advising them on shopping and souvenirs. Each DS curriculum serves as a helpful resource long after you have completed the course.

Format

Online

Eligibility Calculator

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

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Program Details

Detailed information about this program

The Travel Institute’s Destination Specialist (DS) programs span the globe and provide essential knowledge for you to understand the area as well as help you create the kinds of experiences your customers expect – and come back for. It’s this type of training that sets you apart from “travel hobbyists” and gives you greater credibility with your clients. It also increases your value and earning power! Courses are all online, and an optional online Destination Specialist exam can be taken. A grade of 70 or higher must be earned to pass. Those individuals completing the course and exam are encouraged to promote their expertise by including the designation after their name. For instance, Jane Smith, Alaska Specialist. For those individuals seeking a more advanced concentration of study, a Certified Destination Specialist level is also available for select areas, with Jane Smith, Certified Alaska Specialist as the proper designation. Successful completion of any of these courses qualifies for 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which is an annual requirement of CTA®, CTC®, and CTIE® professionals.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

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Locations

Where this program is offered

No locations specified.

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Related Programs

Programs related to this one

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Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

  • Apply in‑depth destination knowledge including geography, culture, and regional characteristics to design customized travel experiences
  • Create client‑focused itineraries using essential sites, attractions, travel logistics, and recommended experiences
  • Advise travelers on destination‑specific travel tips including customs, shopping, dining, and local experiences
  • Enhance client decision‑making by matching destination features to traveler interests, expectations, and trip goals
  • Demonstrate destination expertise that supports repeat business and long‑term client relationships
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Travel Agents41-3041.00
  • Concierges39-6012.00
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: emerging (Level 1)(based on Course)

  • Client destination and travel date details — collect and record under direct supervisor guidance during initial customer consultations.
  • Transportation and hotel reservations — book using agency computer systems and telephone following established booking protocols.
  • Customer payment for transportation and accommodations — process using agency-approved methods under close supervision at a retail travel counter.
  • Basic itinerary tour packages — describe to customers using pre-prepared agency brochures and promotional materials.
  • Client and vendor records — enter and maintain in the agency database following data entry templates and supervisor instructions.
  • Travel cost estimates — compute using calculator and carrier tariff books for standard domestic itineraries with supervisor review.
  • Transportation carrier tickets — print and verify using the agency computer printer system by following step-by-step procedural guides.
  • Travel brochures and destination publications — distribute to customers and explain key points of interest under agent direction.
  • Customer inquiries about local customs and foreign country regulations — respond using agency-provided reference materials and scripted talking points.
  • Calendar and scheduling software — use to log appointment times and travel dates for assigned client files under supervision.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate
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Placement Rate
Not reported