Galileo has launched its new, time and cost efficient, travel agency virtual training programme, said a company official.

Galileo is a leading global distribution system (GDS) and a subsidiary of Travelport.

The program, he said, was aimed at helping agents to expand their knowledge of hotels, which will support them in finding alternative revenue streams.

Complementing an existing portfolio of classroom training, on-the-job training and tailor-made training programmes, Galileo is now launching Virtual Classroom - a new, state-of-the-art training tool, said Gavin Teale, head of service delivery, Europe, Middle-East and Africa (EMEA).

According to Teale, the training concept consists of short, focused, condensed training modules lasting up to 60 minutes.

'The modules are conducted with live trainers via phone, the internet and self study tutorials, giving agencies the flexibility to train their staff on all the latest information without having to leave their own desk and office environment.'

Virtual training also allows agents to select their own timing for the programme.

'The sessions are free for all Galileo-connected travel agencies in Europe, the Middle-East and Africa and are accessible through simple online registration.' 

The Virtual Classroom, which is focused on Galileo Hotels, offers five one-hour online instructor lead courses from Monday to Friday. 

Hotel partners will be sponsoring the training modules and offering agents the chance to win prizes.

“We’re very proud to be the first GDS to launch Virtual Classroom training. By using the latest in training technology our new Virtual Classroom courses allow us to offer Galileo connected agencies a quick and simple way to stay ahead of the game and earn new revenue by keeping their knowledge up to date,' Teale explained. 

“By working closely with our hotel suppliers and our agency partners we have managed to jointly create five virtual Galileo Hotel training modules delivering short and snappy content for experts as well as beginners, all straight to the agencies desktops,' said Jane Lewis, director of hospitality distribution EMEA & Apac. TradeArabia News Service