NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) have formalised their commitment to equip professionals in the travel industry with emerging skills and capabilities, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the NATAS Travel Fair 2024.
The MoU will support travel agents in adapting to evolving industry demands and building a more resilient and dynamic travel industry, by combining NTUC LHUB’s expertise in delivering contextualised training for the workforce with NATAS’ strong network of member travel agencies in Singapore.
NTUC LHUB and NATAS will co-develop the Certified Travel Professional (CTP) programme, a first-of-its-kind certification programme in Singapore’s travel sector under a three-year strategic partnership. The CTP programme is designed to help new entrants to the travel sector acquire essential skills to widen job opportunities, as well as seasoned professionals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive market.
This initiative aligns with one of NATAS’ strategies to enhance the overall quality and professionalism of the travel sector in Singapore, by fostering innovation and encouraging the creation of new roles and expansion of existing roles tailored to the needs of the emerging market.
It also builds on NTUC LHUB’s 3-year partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to co-develop courses in emerging areas such as sustainability, technological enablers, and service excellence. This partnership was announced earlier in May this year at the Tourism Industry Conference.
Structured training programme for diverse group of travel professionals
The CTP programme is catered to a diverse group of professionals, including aspiring travel consultants, experienced agents seeking certification, career switchers, as well as those looking to specialise in niche areas such as corporate travel management or eco-tourism.
The CTP programme features a structured curriculum that includes a blend of core modules, general electives, as well as specialised electives, with key areas of focus in Sales and Marketing Strategies, Sustainability, Emerging Technology, Wellness and Service Experience Excellence.
To attain the CTP Certification, learners will be required to take three modules, starting with a mandatory core module on effective strategies for travel professionals, followed by one elective module covering topics ranging from service excellence and sustainability to technology. Subsequently, learners can choose a specialised elective module focusing on either corporate travel or leisure travel track.
Learners who complete the three modules will be conferred Certified Travel Professional – Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, or Corporate and Leisure Travel, depending on the specialised elective they choose. Recertification is required 18 months following the date of completion of the CTP programme, and learners will need to complete any two elective modules to maintain their certification.
To encourage effective training facilitation and to promote networking among travel professionals, the modules will be conducted by a panel of professionals with diverse and extensive experience in the travel sector and delivered physically. The pilot run for the programme will take place in March 2025 starting with an intake of 10 learners. NTUC LHUB will be the programme manager for the modules, while the certification will be issued by NATAS.
Jeremy Ong, CEO of NTUC LearningHub, said, “NTUC LearningHub is honoured to lead the way in providing training for Singapore’s tourism sector in emerging and in-demand skills, reflecting our strong commitment to working alongside industry leaders, government bodies, and the Labour Movement. This partnership with NATAS is well-aligned with our goal to develop programmes aimed at elevating the professionalism of the tourism workforce in the evolving economy. Through these efforts, we aspire to help Singapore become a premier tourism destination supported by a workforce that continues to innovate and revitalise itself.”
Steven Ler, President of NATAS, said, “The Certified Travel Professional (CTP) programme represents a significant milestone for the travel sector in Singapore, as it heralds a new era of excellence and resilience for the industry. Through our collaboration with NTUC LearningHub, NATAS is confident that the CTP programme will not only elevate the standards of service and professionalism within the travel industry, but also support the continuous growth and innovation that is demanded to position Singapore as a leading global travel destination.”
