Become a Home-Based Travel Agent
Educational Programs

Hong Kong Specialist Program (HKS)
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/usa

Sponsor: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Overview of Program: The Hong Kong Tourism Board offers this course to enable you to build profits by selling Hong Kong as a premier destination. Going through the program, you'll quickly grasp why Hong Kong is the single most popular destination in Asia, and why so many visitors keep coming back for another look. There are three steps to becoming a Hong Kong Specialist (HKS): First, study the Hong Kong Specialist on-line program that is divided into three lessons. You will learn why to sell, what to sell, how to sell and be given a brief introduction of Hong Kong in general. Second, complete and submit the HKS final exam along with the HKS membership application and profile form. Finally, after passing the exam with a minimum score of 25 out of 30 you will need to pay a membership fee of $75.00 (a 50% discount is available to AAA, American Express, CWT, Giants, LTG and Virtuoso agents). This is actually a two-tiered program. Once you have reached the Hong Kong Specialist level you may aspire to become a Hong Kong Master Specialist. You will need to fulfill a number of additional requirements to achieve this level, but it results in more advanced benefits.

Eligibility Requirements: The Hong Kong Specialist Program is only offered to ARC/ IATAN/ CLIA, retail travel agents located in the USA.

 Benefits: As a Hong Kong Specialist you will receive a HK Specialist ID Card, Specialist certificate and window decal, invitations to Hong Kong Tourism Board events (i.e. educational seminars, Specialists Breakfast, etc.), opportunities to participate in future Hong Kong Tourism Board FAMs, Hong Kong videos, collateral and displays and sales referrals from the website - your contact information will be added to the Travel Agent Locator on the Hong Kong Tourism Board official website.

Cost: Once you have passed the exam, you will need to pay a membership fee of $75 (a 50% discount is available to AAA, American Express, CWT, Giants, LTG and Virtuoso Agents).

Contact: http://partnernet.hktb.com/usa/index.html or http://www.discoverhongkong.com/usa  (and follow the PartnerNet link on main page)