What is the Accredited Travel Professional (ATP) scheme?

ATP has been created by ABTA, in association with People 1st (the Sector Skills Council for the Industry) and the Institute for Travel and Tourism. The aim is to recognise the skills, experience and qualifications of those who work within the UK travel industry and encourage continuous professional development (CPD).

It will highlight to your customers the excellent standards of knowledge and service they can enjoy when they use a highly skilled Accredited Travel Professional.

Is ATP a qualification?

No, it's not a new qualification. It's a programme to recognise the qualifications and experience of those working within the travel industry. Once membership has been achieved, it's retained through a programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

What are the benefits of ATP?

The ATP scheme is a great way to measure your own personal development within the travel industry. It's designed to recognise individuals who have achieved high levels of customer service, product knowledge and professionalism. In addition, ATP membership will show your customers that you've achieved a level of skill and experience in your work, and it will highlight to your employer and/or peers that you're committed to learning and improving your understanding of a broad and rapidly-changing industry.

What other benefits can ATP offer me?

As well as benefiting your career, ATP provides access to a range of discounts from a host of leading high street brands. You also get a discount on attendance at many ABTA seminars. By becoming an ATP member, you could save hundreds of pounds every year!

Who can join?

The ATP scheme has three levels of membership: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Which level of membership you are eligible for will depend on your experience and qualifications within the travel industry:

• Bronze  one year's industry experience with an NVQ qualification at level 2/Apprenticeship, or two years' experience and relevant qualifications
  
  
• Silver  four years' industry experience and relevant qualifications 
  
  
• Gold   seven years' industry experience and relevant qualifications

Not everyone will have acquired formal qualifications during their careers, but through the accumulation of experience they may be able to show a high level of skill and knowledge. If you fit this profile, you may still be eligible for membership. Please list all your experience on your ATP application and we'll let you know if you could become an Accredited Travel Professional.

How do I join?

The application process is very straightforward. You can complete and submit your application online or print an ATP application form and post it to us.

How much does membership cost?

The annual subscription for ATP membership is £25, whether you're a Bronze, Silver or Gold member. However, the cost of membership can easily be offset by the many discounts you'll enjoy as an Accredited Travel Professional.

We also arrange corporate memberships for travel business that recognise the benefits of providing ATP membership for their staff, and want to cover the cost of joining in full or in part. Contact us for further details on administrator@travelprofessional.co.uk or call Vicki Wolf on 020 3117 0549.

What's required of ATP members?

ATP is a scheme to recognise Continuous Professional Development (CPD), so as a member you'll need to demonstrate what activities you've undertaken to improve your levels of skill and knowledge.

Each year you'll need to gain 20 CPD points to continue your membership. CPD points are awarded for a variety of activities, such as in-house training, attending seminars, exhibitions and conventions, distance and e-learning, and completing recognised formal qualifications. For those in high level positions you can claim for management training courses, making presentations, serving on committees and attending industry conferences.

These and many other activities earn you CPD points toward your annual total.

How many points do I need to earn for my continuous learning?

You'll need to earn a minimum of 20 points a year to maintain your membership, but there's no limit to the number of points you could earn.

Do I have to work for an ABTA Member to join ATP?

No. The Accredited Travel Professional scheme is open to everybody with the relevant experience and qualifications.

Further information

For more information explore this site, go to FAQs  or contact the ATP team on administrator@travelprofessional.co.uk

 
ATP
c/o ABTA Ltd
30 Park Street
London
SE1 9EQ