Local Travel Professional Earns Certification from The Travel Institute

Heather Ostermiller, CTA, of Sunkissed Explorations, and currently residing in Glasgow, recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate, or CTA, designation from The Travel Institute, the travel industry’s benchmark for educational excellence and the only travel organization offering certification for travel professionals’ varying levels of expertise.

The Certified Travel Associate, CTA designation is awarded by The Travel Institute to travel professionals who complete a rigorous training program, including closed-book, proctor-administered testing, to demonstrate extensive industry knowledge and experience and the highest standards of travel professionalism. In addition, CTAs are required to fulfill stringent continuing education requirements each year.

The CTA curriculum focuses on the essential skills needed to succeed as a frontline travel advisor – selling, customer service, destinations, niche markets and communication.

“Earning my elite certification status not only demonstrates my commitment to life-long learning, but also a commitment to my clients who will be better served because of my increased knowledge and skills,” said Ostermiller.

She has been a travel counselor for three years professionally, 25+ years for extended family and friends. She has four years prior experience working as a Disney cast member in reservations. She specializes in multigenerational and group travel (including destination weddings), Disney destinations, Caribbean, Mexico, and cruises but her full-service agency offers assistance from a one-night hotel in your neighboring town to six-month World cruise – adventures to meet anyone’s budget and dreams!

“I pride myself in offering personal, friendly, professional advice and service from initial contact until your safely home from your destination. Most people don’t realize that travel agent commissions are built into every hotel, car rental, packaged trip that is made if you book direct, use a website, or use a travel agent. Why not take advantage of what we are here for – to offer a human aspect of getting to know you, researching that perfect destination, and being available to assist with any travel hiccups that may arise. These services are typically not available with Expedia, Travelocity, etc. I truly care about my clients & treat them all as family!”