The Association of Corporate Travel Executives is to launch a university-accredited global educational programme next year.
ACTE's executive director, Ron DiLeo, said the Around the World in 80 Hours (ATW80) initiative would give students and corporate travel industry employees an opportunity to study relevant, hands-on modules.
The overall programme is divided into the equivalent of 80 hours of classroom time, with each module focussing on corporate travel issues in specific global regions.
Students also spend two or three days visiting the market they are studying to work with industry piers in the region.
Those enrolled undertake courses for one or two countries at a time, which DiLeo said was a "realistic option" for full-time travel managers/buyers, sales managers or account managers looking to expand their skills.
"It is true immersion learning," said DiLeo. "Students learn about the market while being out there, in it."
It will also be possible for students to study the entire programme continuously.
"We are hopeful that in addition to helping people already in our industry to broaden their horizons, we will also be taking great strides toward attracting new talent to the travel business," said DiLeo.
Chris Crowley, ACTE's president, said that research found company's spent anywhere between €10-15,000 on business related courses and placements.
He said each module on the ATW80 course, however, would only cost in the region of €250 and allow students to work at their own pace.
Markets included in the programme include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, the Nordics, Russia, South Africa, India, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Canada and the United States.
The ATW80 programme will be formally launched at next year's Asia-Pacific autumn conference in Singapore.
www.acte.org