The International Air Transport Association and the University of Cambridge International Examinations launch reciprocal programme of recognition
Cambridge, UK and Montreal, Canada –The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) have entered into an alliance to improve career opportunities in travel and tourism. The alliance creates a reciprocal programme of recognition for the two organisations' Travel and Tourism training programmes. Students can now simultaneously graduate with two widely recognised diplomas without significantly adding to their workload.
"Today's market is a highly competitive one, but there are courses students can take to improve their chances of career success," said Ken Murray, Chief Executive of CIE. "Students pursuing either a CIE or an IATA diploma can now double their marketability without having to do twice the work."
Vaughan Roche, Assistant Director, Travel and Tourism, IATA's Aviation Training and Development Institute, commented: "This alliance provides IATA with the opportunity to better educate a pool of travel industry professionals who will support an industry experiencing continuous global growth."
The reciprocal recognition programme came into effect on 1 January 2005.
Renowned institutions
IATA is the world's leading provider of aviation training through its Aviation Training and Development Institute (ATDI). ATDI provides training for the travel and tourism, airline, cargo, airport, regulatory and security segments from its five regional training centres in Montreal, Geneva, Miami, Singapore and Beijing, as well as through training affiliates around the world and by distance learning.
For more than 25 years, IATA and theUnited Federation of Travel Agents' Associations(UFTAA) have provided the highest standard of professional training in travel and tourism. This unique partnership brings together the world's airlines and the global travel and tourism industry in the IATA/UFTAA Travel and Tourism Training Programme. The Programme offers a full spectrum of performance-based training from entry-level through to senior management courses. Managed by ATDI, the IATA/UFTAA International Travel and Tourism Training Programme is taught in over 240 schools around the world by more than 300 training specialists and travel industry experts. Over 250,000 students have been awarded IATA/UFTAA Travel and Tourism diplomas, which are recognised and accepted worldwide.
One of the world's leading providers of international qualifications and assessments, CIE is part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), a department of the University of Cambridge. UCLES has developed and promoted qualifications around the world for almost 150 years. Established in 1998, CIE provides high quality, leading edge curricula, assessments and qualifications to meet the ongoing global demands of employers and educators.
The alliance between IATA and CIE will enrich both organisations' travel and tourism products by joining prestigious industry and academic resources to provide the opportunity for students to earn dual qualifications and recognition.
Targeting the Travel and Tourism Industry
Under the alliance agreement, IATA's Foundation level is equivalent to the Standard Level of the CIE Core Module for the Diploma in Travel and Tourism. In addition, IATA's Air Fares and Ticketing 1 and Electronic Booking Tools are two of CIE's optional modules for a Standard Level Diploma.
IATA's Foundation Level focuses on travel industry knowledge, the importance of exceeding customer expectations and the role of technology in the industry. Classroom sessions or distance learning courses are offered.
The Cambridge International Diploma in Travel and Tourism develops knowledge and practical skills for people working in or preparing to work in the travel and tourism industry. Both the Standard and the Advanced levels of the Diploma in Travel and Tourism provide a global and local perspective on travel and tourism.
Vocational schools of high reputation around the world are welcome to join these programmes.
To learn more about IATA, UFTAA and Cambridge International Diplomas, visit , www.uftaa.org and www.cie.org.uk respectively.
For more information, please contact:
IATA Corporate Communications
Tel +41 22 770 2967
email: corpcomms@iata.org
Notes for editors:
About CIE
University of Cambridge International Examinations, part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, is one of the world's leading providers of international qualifications and assessments. CIE has a broad range of qualifications, created for an international audience and recognised by universities, education providers and employers across the globe.
About IATA and UFTAA
The International Air Transport Association, which represents more than 270 airlines worldwide, is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with executive offices in Geneva, Switzerland. IATA ensures that passengers and cargo are transported around the world safely, securely, efficiently and economically under clearly defined standards.
The United Federation of Travel Agents Associations, headquartered in Monaco, is a worldbody representing more than 114 national travel agency associations.