Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, is now accepting nominations for its 2011 Agent of the Future program. For over a decade, Travelport’s Agent of the Future program has recognised talented students in the travel industry and rewarded them with learning experiences supported by leading companies.

Open to travel and tourism students enrolled at one of more than 60 tertiary colleges offering Galileo GDS courses in Australia and New Zealand, the award program is designed to recognise students with outstanding qualities. Three finalists are selected each year, of which one is named the winner by an appointed judging panel.

“Travelport is committed to supporting agents in their learning and development whether they are new to the industry or hold many years of experience. The Agent of the Future program forms a key part of this initiative in inspiring a higher standard of excellence among budding agents,” said Lucinda Sullivan, Learning and Development Manager, Pacific for Travelport.

The 2011 Agent of the Future winner will be announced at Travelport’s Learning and Development Forum on 9 December. Also announced will be the 2011 Instructor of the Year, an award introduced in 2007 to acknowledge dedicated and passionate college educators.

Both the 2011 Agent of the Future and Instructor of the Year winners will be awarded with an exciting holiday to Thailand, which includes two return airfares flying Strategic Airways to Phuket, two nights accommodation at the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket and three nights accommodation courtesy of Octopus Travel. The 2011 Agent of the Future winner will also enjoy seven days car hire from Avis and insurance cover by Aussie Travel Cover. Meanwhile, all finalists will receive career counseling and training from inPlace Recruitment as well as a Westfield gift card.