Aruba Launches Redesigned Travel Agent Certification Program

Refreshed Aruba Certified Expert (ACE) Program Live via Travel Agent Academy

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May 11, 2015, 09:34 ET

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) in partnership with Travel Agent Academy launched a redesigned and refreshed Aruba Certified Expert Program (ACE) for the trade community. The ACE program can now be found at www.arubacertifiedexpert.com or by going to http://www.travelagentacademy.com and clicking on the ACE program.

Specifically designed for travel professionals, this highly-educational tool will ensure travel agents have a full understanding of Aruba and its key, unique selling points to help sell the One happy island -- beloved for its year-round sunshine and ideal location on the outside fringes of the hurricane belt.

"Leveraging our new partnership with Travel Agent Academy and an array of dynamic audio-visual assets showcasing Aruba's signature offerings, we're thrilled to re-launch the ACE program as a more interactive and immersive experience for travel professionals," said Sanju Luidens, CMO of ATA.

Agents who enroll in the ACE program are immediately afforded resources to better help them sell the popular Caribbean destination. New additions to the program include more than 10 engaging videos and a plethora of downloadable brochures – featuring key insights to Aruba's signature experiences, dynamic culture and culinary scene, popular honeymoon/family packages, diverse accommodations, on-island transportation options and more.

Those who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of graduation as an Aruba Certified Expert to demonstrate their enhanced knowledge of Aruba. ACE agents will also be the first to receive the most current information on Aruba through newsletters and emails, receive sales support directly from the Aruba Sales Team, and be listed on the Agent Locator on the Aruba.com consumer website to receive referrals. The ACE course also qualifies for CEU and CITC credits.

Current ACE agents are not required to re-take the refreshed ACE course, but are encouraged to register online and receive a password to access the new program curriculum, benefits and production reporting portal. ACE agents who have not visited the program in the past two years are especially encourage to participate and refresh their knowledge of the destination.

"From our award-winning beaches and rugged, desert-like interior to the 90+ on-island nationalities that influence our dynamic culture and culinary scene, Aruba offers something for everyone," Ayerim Maduro, North America Marketing Manager of ATA said. "We hope agents will enroll in our revamped program immediately to discover all that makes Aruba distinct and beloved by our visitors."

For more information on the One happy island, visit www.aruba.com or call 1-800-TO-ARUBA. Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans, @Aruba on Twitter or @ArubaTourism on Instagram.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba — One happy island — is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the southern Caribbean outside the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami, a four-hour flight from New York City and boasts year-round cooling trade winds with an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation-seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise with breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene of over 200 restaurants with 25+ located ideally on the water, world-famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championship golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, Aruba's natural pool— accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach and cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for both first-time guests and loyal visitors.