Advisors Trained by Our Founders
Mireille Guertin — 14 years in travel
Projected Career Growth
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021-2031
Supplier Training Programs
Free online certifications via TLN partners
Agency Market Share by 2026
Phocuswright — up from 21% in 2022
If you’re searching for travel agent training in Canada, you’ve probably already discovered there’s no single path. Some people go to college. Some take online courses. Some jump straight in with a host agency and learn on the job. The truth is, all of these paths work — but they work best when combined. A college diploma teaches you the theory. Supplier certifications build your product knowledge. But it’s the hands-on mentorship — working real bookings alongside experienced advisors — that turns training into a career.
This guide covers every training option available in Canada: formal education, online programs, TICO requirements, supplier certifications, industry designations, and the mentorship model that Phoenix Voyages has refined over more than a decade and 125+ trained advisors.
Start Your Training With Us
Phoenix Voyages provides structured LMS training, one-on-one mentorship, and 80+ supplier certification programs — all included. No experience required.
Apply Now at join.phoenixvoyages.ca
Questions? Call 1-855-383-5771 — no pressure, just answers.
764274 Ontario Inc. o/a Phoenix Voyages | TICO #50028032
Formal Education Programs in Canada
Several Canadian colleges offer travel and tourism diploma programs. These are typically one to two years and cover geography, booking systems, travel law, and customer service fundamentals. A college program is a solid foundation — but it’s not required to work as a travel advisor in Canada.
| School | Location | Program | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humber College | Toronto, ON | Tourism & Hospitality Management | 2 years | In-person / Hybrid |
| Georgian College | Barrie, ON | Tourism — Travel | 2 years | In-person |
| Algonquin College | Ottawa, ON | Tourism & Travel | 2 years | In-person / Online |
| Durham College | Oshawa, ON | Tourism — Destination Marketing | 2 years | In-person |
| Various Private Schools | Nationwide | Travel & Tourism Certificate | 6-12 months | Online |
These programs teach important fundamentals — geography, GDS systems (Amadeus, Sabre), destination knowledge, and the regulatory landscape. Graduates enter the industry with a good theoretical base. But college programs rarely cover the day-to-day reality of running your own travel business: finding clients, negotiating with suppliers, handling booking complications, or building a referral network. That’s where on-the-job training comes in.
Online Training Options
If you can’t commit to a full-time college program, online training is a flexible alternative. Several organizations offer self-paced courses designed specifically for aspiring travel professionals:
- CITC (Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors): Industry-recognized certification programs including the Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) and Certified Travel Manager (CTM) designations. These carry real weight on a resume and demonstrate professional commitment.
- Private online travel schools: Multiple accredited schools offer travel and tourism certificates that can be completed in 6-12 months from home. Look for programs that include GDS training and a practicum component.
- Provincial education requirements: In Ontario, TICO requires travel counsellors to pass an education exam. Many online programs are structured to prepare you for this.
The advantage of online training is flexibility. You can study evenings and weekends while keeping your current job, complete coursework at your own pace, and start applying your knowledge immediately if you’re already working with a host agency.
TICO Education Requirements (Ontario)
In Ontario, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) sets the education standards for anyone selling travel. If you’re operating under a TICO-registered agency — which you must be to legally sell travel to Ontario residents — there are specific education requirements to meet.
- TICO Travel Counsellor Exam: Required for travel counsellors working in Ontario. Covers the Ontario Travel Industry Act, consumer protection, trust accounting, and industry regulations.
- Continuing education: TICO requires ongoing professional development to maintain your knowledge of regulations and best practices.
- Host agency coverage: As an ITA under a host like Phoenix Voyages (TICO #50028032), your agency’s registration covers you — but you still need to meet the individual education requirements.
The TICO exam isn’t difficult for anyone who takes the preparation seriously. Most host agencies — including Phoenix Voyages — help their advisors prepare for it. The exam matters because it demonstrates your understanding of consumer protection, which builds trust with clients and sets you apart from unregistered sellers.
For a deeper dive into TICO requirements, see our TICO certification guide.
Formal education teaches you the theory. But selling travel is learned on the job — through mentorship, real bookings, and supplier relationships. The best-trained advisors combine structured learning with hands-on experience. A diploma on the wall doesn’t close a booking. Confidence, product knowledge, and a mentor who’s been there before — that’s what does.
Supplier Certifications — Free and Valuable
One of the best-kept secrets in travel agent training: most major suppliers offer free online certification programs. These aren’t generic webinars. They’re structured courses that teach you specific products, destinations, and selling strategies — and they come with a certificate that tells clients you know your stuff.
| Program | Supplier | What It Covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean University | Royal Caribbean | Ships, destinations, onboard experience, group bookings | Free |
| Celebrity Cruises Academy | Celebrity Cruises | Modern luxury positioning, ship classes, premium experiences | Free |
| Princess Academy | Princess Cruises | MedallionClass technology, destinations, ocean-to-ocean itineraries | Free |
| Holland America Academy | Holland America Line | Premium mid-size ships, culinary programs, longer voyages | Free |
| Sandals Specialist | Sandals & Beaches Resorts | All-inclusive luxury resorts, destination weddings, honeymoons | Free |
| Viking Certification | Viking | River and ocean cruises, destination-focused itineraries, expedition ships | Free |
| AmaWaterways Training | AmaWaterways | European river cruises, wine-themed voyages, active excursions | Free |
| CLIA ACC Certification | CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) | Accredited Cruise Counsellor — foundational cruise selling skills | Membership fee |
| CLIA MCC Certification | CLIA | Master Cruise Counsellor — advanced designation, requires ACC + experience | Membership fee |
As a Phoenix Voyages advisor, you get access to these programs through our Travel Leaders Network membership — one of North America’s largest travel buying groups. Many of these certifications also unlock bonus commissions, preferred rates, and invitations to FAM trips (familiarization trips where suppliers host advisors to experience the product firsthand).
The smartest new advisors start stacking supplier certifications immediately. Each one deepens your product knowledge, gives you selling confidence, and signals to clients that you’re serious about your craft. Most can be completed in a few hours each.
The Training Nobody Talks About: Mentorship
Here’s what the college brochures and online course ads don’t tell you: the most important training a travel advisor receives happens after the coursework is done.
You can memorize every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. You can ace the TICO exam. You can earn a dozen supplier certifications. But the first time a client calls you at 10 PM because their flight was cancelled and they’re stranded in an airport with two kids — no course prepared you for that. The first time a group booking falls apart because the wedding planner changed dates three times — no textbook covers that. The first time you need to navigate a supplier’s compensation policy because a client had a genuinely bad experience — you need someone who’s done it before.
That’s mentorship. And it’s where Mireille Guertin’s 14 years of experience in travel becomes your advantage.
Mireille co-founded Phoenix Voyages after running the award-winning our previous franchise franchise in Ottawa for over a decade. During that time, she personally trained and supported over 125 travel advisors — from complete beginners who’d never made a booking to experienced professionals sharpening their skills. She knows what trips up new advisors in their first month, their first year, and beyond. She knows the mistakes that cost money and the shortcuts that save time. And she built Phoenix Voyages’ training program around that real-world knowledge.
Formal education gets you started. Mentorship is what makes you successful. The advisors who build thriving businesses don’t just complete courses — they learn from people who’ve already built what they’re trying to build. That’s the difference between knowing the theory and knowing what to do when the theory doesn’t apply.
How Phoenix Voyages Trains New Advisors
Phoenix Voyages doesn’t just point you to a list of courses and wish you luck. We’ve built a structured training program that combines self-paced learning with live mentorship, because we know from over a decade of experience that both are required.
Learning Management System (LMS)
Every Phoenix Voyages advisor gets access to our proprietary LMS at lms.phoenixvoyages.ca — a structured online learning platform with courses organized into clear learning paths. Modules cover everything from platform orientation and your first booking to advanced supplier strategies, group travel management, and destination specialization. It’s self-paced, so you can work through it around your schedule — but it’s structured, so you’re never wondering “what should I learn next?”
One-on-One Mentorship
You’re not learning alone. Mireille and the Phoenix team provide direct, personal mentorship. When you’re working on your first complex booking, someone is there to walk you through it. When a supplier situation gets tricky, you’ve got backup. This isn’t a chatbot or a help desk ticket — it’s a real person who knows your name and your business.
Weekly Team Calls
Every week, the Phoenix Voyages team holds live calls featuring supplier presentations, product knowledge sessions, and open Q&A. These keep you current on new products, promotions, and industry changes — and they connect you with the broader advisor community so you’re never working in isolation.
Hands-On Booking Support
The best way to learn is by doing — with a safety net. Your first bookings aren’t solo missions. The team reviews your work, catches errors before they become problems, and walks you through the process until you’re confident doing it independently. You learn by booking, not by watching.
Supplier FAM Trips
Through our Travel Leaders Network membership, advisors earn invitations to FAM trips — familiarization trips hosted by cruise lines, resort chains, and tour operators. You experience the product firsthand, which makes you a dramatically better seller. Nothing beats telling a client “I’ve been on that ship — here’s exactly what you’ll love about it.”
Technology Training
Phoenix Voyages runs on a proprietary technology platform — booking engines, CRM, lead management, marketing tools, and more. New advisors receive dedicated training on every tool in the toolkit, with one-on-one support until you’re comfortable navigating it all independently.
What’s Included — Your Full Advisor Toolkit
Everything below is included for $28.95/month, after a one-time $299 Ignite fee for setup, licensing, and onboarding:
| Category | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Licensing & Compliance | Full TICO coverage, E&O insurance, trust accounting — all regulatory requirements handled for you |
| Email & Website | Professional @phoenixvoyages.ca email, your own profile on the agency website, business credibility from day one |
| Booking Platform | Integrated with world-class APIs and supplier booking engines — search, quote, and book from a single dashboard |
| Supplier Network | Travel Leaders Network membership — one of North America’s largest buying groups with 80+ preferred suppliers, cruise incentive groups, bonus commissions, and FAM trips |
| CRM & Lead Management | Proprietary CRM, Leads Manager portal with AI scoring, personalized referral links, automatic lead routing from our website |
| Marketing (Automated) | AI-powered social media content, email campaigns, SEO landing pages, lead capture forms — we generate and nurture leads for you |
| Training & Education | Online LMS with self-paced courses, supplier certifications, product knowledge sessions, one-on-one mentorship |
| Cloud Workspace | Document storage, shared calendar, team chat, collaboration tools — your entire office in the cloud |
| Support | Dedicated team (operations, sales, tech), weekly advisor calls, direct access — no ticket queues |
Training is included, not extra. At some agencies, training programs come with additional fees or require expensive third-party courses. At Phoenix Voyages, every training resource — LMS access, mentorship, supplier certifications, weekly sessions — is part of your $28.95/month. The only additional cost is the one-time $299 Ignite fee to get started.
Training That Actually Prepares You
LMS courses, mentorship from someone who’s trained 125+ advisors, 80+ free supplier certifications, and a team that supports you through your first booking and your five-hundredth. All included.
Start Your Application • or call 1-855-383-5771
764274 Ontario Inc. o/a Phoenix Voyages | TICO #50028032
Training Timeline: From Zero to Booking
Every advisor moves at their own pace, but here’s a realistic timeline for someone starting with no prior travel industry experience:
| Phase | Timeline | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding & Orientation | Month 1-2 | Platform setup, LMS learning paths, technology training, first supplier certifications. You’re making your first bookings with hands-on support from the team. Learning by doing, not just watching. |
| Building Confidence | Month 3-6 | Stacking supplier certifications, expanding product knowledge, handling bookings more independently. Your personal network is your first client base — friends, family, coworkers. Word of mouth starts working. |
| Finding Your Stride | Month 6-12 | Repeat clients and referrals become your growth engine. You’re developing a specialty (cruises, luxury, destination weddings, groups). Booking complications are teaching moments, not crises. TICO exam completed. |
| Established Advisor | Year 2+ | Niche expertise drives premium bookings. Group travel becomes a major revenue driver. FAM trips deepen your firsthand knowledge. You may find yourself mentoring newer advisors on the team. |
Your costs don’t start until you’re ready. The $299 Ignite fee and $28.95/month subscription don’t kick in until your onboarding is complete and you’re set up to take bookings. There’s no clock ticking while you’re still learning — we want you prepared, not pressured.
The Culture Behind the Training
Training programs are only as good as the people delivering them. At Phoenix Voyages, training isn’t a corporate module you click through alone in your basement. It’s delivered by a team that knows your name, celebrates your first booking, and picks up the phone when something goes sideways.
We sell fun and dreams for a living — our agency should feel like it. Phoenix advisors come from every background: teachers, nurses, retirees, corporate professionals, parents looking for flexibility, people who just love travel. What they all say is the same: the culture and the support are what they didn’t expect — and the reason they stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college diploma to become a travel agent?
No. A college diploma in travel and tourism is valuable but not required. Many successful advisors start with no formal education in the field. What matters is your willingness to learn, your people skills, and having the right host agency to train and support you. At Phoenix Voyages, most of our advisors started with zero industry background.
How long does travel agent training take?
It depends on the path. A college diploma takes 1-2 years. Online certificate programs take 6-12 months. Supplier certifications can be completed in a few hours each. With a host agency like Phoenix Voyages, you can start making bookings (with support) within your first month while continuing to build your skills over time. Most advisors feel confident handling bookings independently within 3-6 months.
Are supplier certifications worth it?
Absolutely. They’re free (for most major suppliers), they deepen your product knowledge, and they often unlock bonus commissions, preferred rates, and FAM trip invitations. Clients also notice — “certified specialist” status builds trust. We recommend stacking as many as possible in your first year.
Can I train while working another job?
Yes. Most of our advisors start part-time while keeping their current employment. Our LMS is self-paced, supplier certifications are done on your own schedule, and mentorship sessions are flexible. Many advisors build their travel business evenings and weekends before transitioning to full-time.
Does Phoenix Voyages provide training?
Yes — comprehensive training is included with your membership. You get access to our LMS with structured learning paths, one-on-one mentorship from a team that’s trained 125+ advisors, weekly team calls with supplier presentations, hands-on booking support, and access to 80+ free supplier certification programs through Travel Leaders Network. Training and mentorship are core to what we do, not an afterthought.
What’s the difference between TICO certification and travel agent training?
TICO certification refers specifically to Ontario’s regulatory requirements — the Travel Counsellor exam and ongoing education mandated by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario. Travel agent training is broader: it includes product knowledge, supplier certifications, booking skills, sales techniques, and business development. You need both — TICO compliance to sell legally in Ontario, and real training to sell effectively. Phoenix Voyages covers both.
How much does travel agent training cost?
Costs vary widely. College programs can run $5,000-$15,000+ over 1-2 years. Private online courses range from $500-$3,000. Supplier certifications are mostly free. At Phoenix Voyages, all training is included in your membership: $299 one-time Ignite fee plus $28.95/month. That covers LMS access, mentorship, supplier programs, and everything else. No separate training fees, no hidden charges.
What about CLIA certifications?
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) offers the Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) and Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) designations. These are widely recognized in the cruise industry and demonstrate serious professional commitment. The ACC requires completing CLIA courses and documenting cruise experience. The MCC builds on that with advanced requirements. As a TLN agency, Phoenix Voyages advisors can access CLIA programs through our consortium membership.
Your Training Starts Here
Formal courses build your foundation. Supplier certifications build your product knowledge. But it’s the mentorship — learning from people who’ve trained 125+ advisors over more than a decade — that turns training into a career. Phoenix Voyages gives you all three, plus the TICO coverage, technology, and support to put your training to work from day one.
Apply Now at join.phoenixvoyages.ca
Or call 1-855-383-5771 — we’ll answer every question you have.
764274 Ontario Inc. o/a Phoenix Voyages | TICO #50028032 | 600 du Golf Rd., Hammond, ON K0A 2A0
Related resources: Become a travel agent in Canada — the complete guide to starting your travel career. TICO certification — Ontario’s regulatory requirements explained. Host travel agency Canada — how the host model works and why it’s the fastest path. Home based travel agent Canada — build your business from your living room. Travel agents Ottawa — local expertise, national reach. Canada travel statistics — the industry by the numbers.