1. Attend travel industry shows that offer information on different aspects of the industry.
2. Attend a tourism industry conference that provides travel seminars.
3. Research different travel schools that specialize in tourism industry training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out travel conferences

By attending conferences on travel, you can keep current on the industry. Many travel conferences offer seminars on travel that are for specific areas of the travel industry.

I recommend: Travel Industry Association (TIA) sponsors five annual travel industry events, including a leadership summit, a marketing forum and a "pow wow". Covering all aspects of the travel industry, Travel Industry Wire lists travel conventions around the world.

Attend tourism industry events

Travel agents are a major component of the travel industry and have their own tourism events. Other facets of the travel industry, such as hospitality, also sponsor events.

I recommend: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) represents travel agents and the companies they promote, such as tours, cruise lines, hotels and car rentals. They host an industry calendar on their website with tourism industry events across the country listed by month and then by day. Travel Agent Central, part of Questex Media Group, offers tourism industry updates and lists upcoming tourism events. Representing the lodging branch of the industry, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International known as HSMAI supports chapter events throughout the country.

To enter the industry, look for schools supplying tourism industry training

For those interested in joining the travel industry, travel schools across the country and throughout the world can provide training. Diplomas and certification are available in all aspects of the industry, including flight attendants, airline workers, airport security and others.

I recommend: As an international association with over 230 member companies, IATA, the International Air Transport Association, offers over 400 classes and diplomas in airline services, airport services, safety and security, as well as management and training for every level, among others. The Technical Schools Directory lets people search for tourism industry training for travel agents near where they live. With schools from around the world, Hospitality 1ST supports an extensive listing of tourism industry training on its website.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many schools that are located locally throughout the US. Search under your state to find one near you.
• •  Look for tourism and travel industry events that are specific to your interest.
• •  Trade journals and magazines can provide a tourism industry update.