Host Agency Nexion Recruits Military Veterans as Travel Advisors
Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines hosted a U.S. Army sergeant reenlisting at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on April 20, 2016. Some veterans are looking to become travel advisors after they serve. Southwest Airlines
Skift Take
An enterprising program that provides free training for military vets who want to start new careers as travel advisors is an innovative way to bring new talent into the industry. After a year in operation, it's starting to yield results.
For many travel advisors these days, travel is a second career. The industry is drawing people from a wide variety of backgrounds who bring knowledge and perspective from previous occupations and life experiences. Among them are military veterans.
Believing that vets could be a likely source of new talent, Nexion Travel Group launched a program specifically aimed at giving vets the training they need to start careers as travel advisors. After its first year, 90 veterans have signed on for the training, which is provided free of charge and includes coaching once the coursework is completed. Among the successful graduates is Manuel Padilla, an Air Force vet who said his agency, Kwik Escapes, is thriving in the Philadelphia area.
“In general, veterans have a lot to offer when it comes to employment, and one of
