Continuing its collaboration with the Kuoni Academy­ - Centre of Excellence from 2010, Atout France – France Tourism Development Agency will conduct intense product trainings at 7 of their centres across India in 2011. With the operation scheduled to launch in the month of August, the cities covered will be Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Calcutta and New Delhi. Atout France will be ably supported in this venture by two of their partners namely – Rail Europe and Rhone Alpes Tourism Board.

A typical training comprises of a full day session where comprehensive information is imparted to the invited agents. The training comprises of complete destination knowledge on France, its regions and its overseas territories, things to do while in France and information relevant to tourists visiting France. Agents are also educated on the picturesque region of Rhone Alpes and its myriad possibilities for tourists visiting this region. The best way of getting around France is by train and the training also focuses on how Rail Europe plays an integral part in connecting France and beyond by its very efficient rail network.

These trainings are also a means for encouraging more agents to register for our online training module, “Certified Destination FRANCE Travel Agent Training Programme” with a view to encourage more and more agents to become French Specialists. The website for the training programme is www.formation.franceguide.com.

Catherine Oden- Director Atout France India comments, “Product trainings are the first step in the direction of effectively marketing a destination. These training sessions are our medium of interacting with the agents and enhancing their product knowledge about France and its regions. We are hopeful that these trainings eventually help us in welcoming more Indian tourists to France”.