Contact: Andrea Hutchinson
203-878-2577 x117
ahutchinson@adventureexpo.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Adventure Council Designates First
Adventure Travel Specialists

Agents From Around the Untied States Gather for In Depth Course on Adventure Travel

April 9, 2007 -- Milford, CT - The Adventure Council today announced that travel agents from around the country completed the inaugural Adventure Council Agent Designation Program which took place at the Adventures in Travel Expo in Washington DC March 2, 2007.

The Adventure Travel Specialist program is designed to equip agents with the information and knowledge they need to book travel in what has become the fastest growing segment of the travel industry – adventure travel.

The pilot program was an immersion of the agents in such subjects as ecotourism, sustainable tourism initiatives, adventure travel trends and demographics, niche groups, traveler profiling and outfitter matching.

The sessions were moderated by President of the Adventure Council, Costas Christ and recognized adventure travel experts,  Kathy Moyer Dragon, Founder and Owner of
The Dragon's Path, and ActiveWomen.com, who has spent the past two decades in the center of the active and adventure travel industry  and Richard Weiss who has held senior executive positions for Mountain Travel Sobek, Backroads, Grand Expeditions and, most recently, Adventures by Disney.

Adventure Travel Professional Symposium - Add One

“We are very excited by the enthusiasm and professionalism displayed by our first group of graduates,” said John Golicz, Chairman of the Adventure Council and CEO of
Adventures in Travel Expo.  “This program is an important milestone in the development of a professional wide spread sales channel for adventure travel providers and adventure travelers alike.”

The graduates not only came away with increased and specialized knowledge but also valuable business development tools including listings in National Geographic Adventure magazine and on the National Geographic Adventure website; listings in the Active & Adventure Travel Directory; on the Adventure Council website; unique identification on AdventureUs.com the first on-line social community for adventure travelers; and complimentary exhibit space at future Adventures in Travel Expos where the agents can interact with   thousands of potential clients interested in taking an active and adventure travel vacation.

“The adventure travel industry has been pining for a network of well established, qualified travel professionals to connect travelers seeking new experiences with the best travel providers and outfitters available,” added Costas Christ.  We are pleased that our first group of graduates is committed to expanding the market in a responsible and eco-friendly manner.”

“It was a unique opportunity to learn by text book from the Travel Institute and in a seminar with the most knowledgeable and passionate people in Adventure Travel and Eco-Tourism. I am looking forward to growing my relationship with the Adventure Council, AdventureUs.com, Gordon’s Guide, Sustainable Travel International and Adventures in Travel Expo. Education and staying current is one of the keys in the travel business. The Adventure Travel Specialist Designation Program was excellent and I highly recommend it to others interested in capturing a piece of this fast growing market,” said Cindy Martin-Rolsky, Adventure Consultant Cruise Masters Travel.

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Travel agents completing the Adventure Council’s Adventure Travel Agent Specialist program include:
Sara Barakat, Travel Consultant, Cruise Masters Travel. Moira Carapico, Co-Owner, Journeys Inc., Linda Drake, Owner / Manager, Cruise & Travel Bargains International, David Hartman, President, Fantastic Endeavors, Paul Hudak, President, Adventure International Travel Service, Inc., Cindy Martin-Rolsky, Adventure Consultant, Cruise Masters Travel, Mindy Milleron, CTA, Dream Trip Designer MacNair Travel & Cruises, Susan Morley, Director of Fun, Journeys Around the World, Richard Pollac, Travel Agent, AAA Michigan, Linda M. Tatten, CTC, ATC Consultant, Travel Counsellors

The Adventure Council is now creating a more comprehensive webinar curriculum for agents beginning in June 2007.  The next face-to-face designation program will be held in conjunction with the ASTA TRADESHOW this coming September in Las Vegas.   For more information please call Diane McLevy at (203)878-2577 ex 125 or send an email:dmclevy@adventureexpo.com


About the Adventures Council
The Adventure Council™ believes the earth’s cultural and natural heritage must be maintained if future generations are to enjoy the challenges, rewards, and educational value of adventure travel.  Its mission is to actively promote and grow adventure travel that is responsible and sustainable and in so doing, help to protect the character, authenticity, and diversity of adventure destinations worldwide. Charter members include Adventures in Travel Expo, National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine, Sustainable Travel International, Caribbean Tourism Organization, CC Africa and Trusted Adventures.  For more information, please visit www.adventurecouncil.com

About Adventures in Travel Expo