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Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise, today announced a new training program offering MBA-level online courses to their network of travel advisors. A part of the award-winning Cruise Planners University, the MBA courses add to Cruise Planners’ already robust digital learning center.

“The travel industry today is fast-moving with constant new trends, means and modes to consider. Our new online MBA courses address this change and offer agents the opportunity to grow their businesses, learn new and advanced tools of trade and remain ahead of the competition in the ever-evolving travel marketplace,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative.

More than 20 MBA-level online courses are available as part of the Certified Cruise Planners Expert Degree, an accreditation recognized by the Cruise Line International Association. Courses are taught by expert travel industry professionals and leading Cruise Planners agents and cover a variety of skill sets critical for travel advisors to remain competitive including:

• Marketing plans that incorporate traditional and new media tactics
• Public relations and earned media endorsements 
• Database management and quality leads
• Social media strategy including advertising, promotions and media outreach 
• Tips from the Top’: real-life lessons from Cruise Planners agents 
• Leveraging Cruise Line Promotions & Fund Raising Travel Groups 

Fee said the new advanced courses are aimed to equip agents with new skills, confidence and know-how to drive success and grow their businesses. The Cruise Planners home office team is also pursuing offering a PHD program in the future.

For more information on Cruise Planners’ training programs or to learn more about becoming a franchise owner, visit our franchise site. To make reservations, travelers should locate a travel advisor near them.

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