CCRA Travel Commerce Network's new TRUE Advantage Mentorship Program will connect advisors and suppliers to drive more personal relationships between the two.
The mentorship program will create one-on-one connections between agents and supplier representatives.
"Suppliers, including smaller and emerging brands, will have the opportunity to spotlight their offerings through intimate, training-focused engagements with small groups of advisors," CCRA said in a release. "The goal is to create deeper, more meaningful relationships between advisors and suppliers, enhancing the advisors' ability to provide enriched travel experiences to their clients."
Holly Carrig-Matthews, assistant vice president of TRUE excellence at CCRA, said advisors were behind the program's creation. They shared how important mentorship is for success, she said.
"This program is designed for more of a one-on-one mentorship relationship," Carrig-Matthews said. "The traditional larger-scale formats we offer work for many, and we continue to see many advisors thrive by way of those platforms, but this is an 'old world meets new' approach to bring back more of a firsthand mentorship offering that supports both suppliers and advisors on a smaller scale. It's about creating value for both sides."
Partnership with the Travel Institute
CCRA also announced a new strategic partnership with the Travel Institute.
Now, advisors participating in PowerSolutions Live events can earn two continuing education credits (CEUs).
CEUs are applicable toward maintaining the Travel Institute's accreditations: Certified Travel Associate, Certified Travel Counselor and Certified Industry Travel Executive.
PowerSolutions Live events last one day and are free for advisors. They feature training and networking, CCRA CEO Dic Marxen said.
"We couldn't be more excited to provide this added value to our attendees," Marxen said.
The next two PowerSolutions Live events will be held May 8 at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza and Dec. 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia -- Center City.
CCRA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.