Travel Agency Operations Certificate (TAO1)  Technical Certificate of Credit

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

Introduces students to the importance of the travel agent in the hospitality industry and provides an understanding of international, national, state, major cities and their points of interest to the travel customer. Emphasis is placed on career options, industry trends, travel documents, identifying why people travel and how geography is linked to their needs. Topics include: terminology, agency operations, travel reference guides, airline industry, other transportation modes, hotels and resorts, individual travel needs, travel and tourism careers, miscellaneous services, geographical and physical aspects of the Americas and Greenland, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Far East, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, and travel regulations and documents needed to travel internationally.

Provides students with an orientation to the duties and responsibilities of the tour operator and an overview of the cruise industry. The course also gives students an opportunity to gain the technical knowledge and skills needed to utilize computerized reservation and information systems. Emphasis is placed on the operator's role in planning and conducting tours and cruises as well as accessing data bases and identifying options which satisfy customer's needs. Topics include: planning individual tours, planning group tours, transportation arrangements, accommodation options, entertainment options, foreign country tours, and manager's on-tour responsibilities the ship, living quarters, amenities, shipboard activities, and marketing, selling of cruises, agency computer hardware, computer reservation systems, automated travel information, back-room accounting, and trends in automated travel data systems.

Introduces students to marketing techniques associated with hotel/restaurant/tourism fields with emphasis on identifying and satisfying needs of customers. Topics include: marketing introduction, research and analysis, marketing strategies, marketing plans, social media marketing, branding, positioning, sales and advertising. Because of the constant change in marketing strategies in the hospitality industry, this course will also focus on new marketing techniques that are being used in the hospitality industry.