HONOLULU, HAWAII -- Outrigger Enterprises Group unveiled today a new online training course for travel agents that features educational curriculum on the diverse range of Outrigger-owned, managed and affiliated hotels, resorts and condominiums on the island of Oahu. The Oahu Learning Course is a component of the new Outrigger Hospitality Specialist Program and the newest enhancement to the company's travel agent-exclusive website www.OutriggerAgent.com. The Oahu Learning Course is designed to provide certified Outrigger Hospitality Specialists with insider tips and knowledge -- allowing agents to successfully advise clients traveling to Hawaii.

"We surveyed dozens of travel agents for feedback on how to improve our Outrigger Hospitality Specialist program, and we discovered that an overwhelming number expressed a desire for additional education about our products," said Lois Shore, vice president of distribution for Outrigger Enterprises Group. "The new Oahu Learning Course offers Specialists up-to-date information on Outrigger Hospitality properties, while also offering direct benefits for the agents themselves."

The Oahu Learning Course takes just 30 to 45 minutes to complete and Specialists earn an easy 50 Reward Points upon successful completion. The interactive session includes a review of the key components for each of the Outrigger Hospitality properties, as well as top selling points, insider tips and even a mapping tool to familiarize agents with the area. In between each learning section, agents will take a series of abbreviated multiple-choice quizzes before completing a more comprehensive exam at the end.

"A deep understanding of the diverse property 'personalities,' and an acquaintance with the benefits and amenities associated with each, enable travel agents to match the right property to the right client to meet their clients' vacation expectations and create lasting client loyalty," added Shore.

The new Outrigger Hospitality Specialist Program is one of the most competitive travel agent rewards programs in Hawaii, allowing certified travel agents to earn Reward Points for reporting booked client stays at Outrigger Hospitality properties. Reward Points are redeemable for cash or gift certificates on popular consumer website, www.Amazon.com. An agent can earn $50 cash in as few as four or five reported bookings, depending on the property and clients' length of stay.

All travel agents are encouraged to become certified Outrigger Hospitality Specialists by taking a short online certification course at OutriggerAgent.com or by enrolling in one of the national webinars also to be found on the website. To give certified agents a jump-start on earning their Reward Points in the program, 100 Reward Points will be awarded for completing the basic Certification course when they report their first actualized client stay of three nights or more at an Outrigger Hospitality property.

Additional benefits for Specialists include: personalized welcome amenities for clients delivered in the agent's name, time-saving online forms pre-populated with the information from the agent's online profile, an informative monthly e-newsletter and access to a personal online command center to manage their accounts, report bookings and redeem points.

Nancy Daniels, APR
Director of PR
808-921-6839
Outrigger