Virgin Holidays have joined as a corporate member of the Accredited Travel Professional (ATP) Scheme.

By providing free sign up for up to 400 staff, Virgin Holidays has joined a growing band of companies who are committed to high professional standards within the travel industry. 

Virgin Holiday staff will be able to earn points for their in-house training, all of which has been mapped and accredited to national occupational standards by ATP.

"In these hard economic times, we are more committed than ever to training," said Angel Conley, Learning and Development Team Leader. "If we invest in our staff, then they will look after our customers. Staff have greeted the ATP scheme with enthusiasm as it provides an easy system for recognising and rewarding career developments."

Vicki Wolf, ABTA's Education Liaison Executive said: "We are thrilled to have Virgin Holidays on board with ATP, as they really understand the benefits training brings to all parts of their business." 

ACE (Association of Cruise Experts) have announced that they are joining the Accredited Travel Professional Scheme (ATP). All ACE's training has been accredited by the ATP scheme and ACE members (who qualify for ATP membership) will be able to join the ATP scheme and claim their points.

Andy Harmer of ACE spoke from Dover where ACE are holding their annual convention and said "we are thrilled to announce that our training is now recognised by ATP. Promoting and recognising excellence in the travel industry is something we have always been committed to so it makes sense for us to link up with ATP."

Training For Travel have recently re-introduced their Assessor Academy for 2009. Back by popular demand, this programme is for anyone looking to become a qualified assessor, embark on a new career or just develop their skills. "Due to its huge success last year, and the overwhelming demand this year, we have set new some new dates for the North and South of England. We are looking for competent people, willing to commit themselves and learn, with the possibility of becoming part of the TFT team", says Anne Marie Sharples, Business Development Administrator, Training For Travel.

The course lasts for a minimum of 3 months with 16 dates in total, some of these being half days. Placed are limited but some are still available for the 17th August and 7th September.

Contact TFT at www.trainingfortravel.com or speak to Anne Marie on 0161 764 7523 for more details.

If you have achieved something outstanding - let's celebrate it!

Now in their 7th year, the Springboard Awards for Excellence celebrate and reward inspiring people, organisations and initiatives - those that work hard to elevate the profile of the industry as an employer and attract and retain talent.

If you, your company or your team deserves recognition in this area - tell us about it!  With several awards in each category there's something for everyone in every sector - and you can submit as many entries as you wish.  Entries can be made by individuals, teams or partnerships for initiatives that have achieved measurable results over the past 12 months.

Submit your entries for the Springboard Awards for Excellence and share your success with the industry.

To enter the awards please visit
www.events.springboarduk.net/awards-for-excellence/categories/

The closing date for entries is 30 September 2009

We have had calls from one or two members who have not received their ATP badges. Everyone who has received an email confirming their membership should have received a badge.

If you have not received one please contact Vicki Wolf on 020 3117 0549 or email administrator@travelprofessional.co.uk.

It may seem a long way off, but the Travel Convention in Barcelona is rapidly approaching and if you want to get the best deals, as we all know, it's best to book as early as possible.

The discounted registration fee for early bookers finishes TODAY so if you register today you could save at least £60.  At the moment flights to and from Barcelona are available from as little as £35.

Visit www.thetravelconvention.com for more infomation and to book your place!

Bookings are open for the following ABTA events in London.  For full details, click the links below or contact Julie Graves or Mark McDonald events@abta.co.uk on 020 3117 0550 or 0551.

02 September - What's changing? - VAT Seminar . Free Event
17 September - A Beginner's Guide to Health & Safety - Making Safety Simple

Don't forget that ATP members get 10% off seminar fees.