NBTA

Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) Program

Today’s corporate success depends on adapting to the changing global business environment and using corporate travel as a strategic tool.  Each day, travel managers are being challenged to rethink and realign their roles and programs, and this kind of value-added training is the cornerstone of the CCTE program.  The program is designed for seasoned business travel management professionals who want to enhance their knowledge, skills and productivity.

Held in conjunction with the University of Houston Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the CCTE program stresses the use of the latest technologies to improve day-to-day operations.  There is training in financial management techniques and control procedures to assure accountability in your travel program.  The program is designed to help develop skills and expertise to:

• Better define and understand future directions and trends in both corporate travel and the business environment
• Develop and apply systems thinking and approaches to improve management techniques
• Progress toward economic and strategic goals
• Achieve personal excellence and productivity within individual corporate cultures

Curriculum

The curriculum in Core Week 1 covers Accounting/Budgeting and Forecasting, Technology, Finance, Persuasive Communication and Negotiation, and Legal issues.  Core Week 2 classes include Decision Tools for Travel Management, Revenue Pricing Yield Management, Competitive Strategy, Negotiation Strategies, Business Writing and Communication, and Risk Management.  These classes are taught by professors from the University of Houston and travel industry consultants. View a complete course outline >>

Testimony from Graduates

Beyond the value of what is learned from the instructors in class, the networking and interaction among students are invaluable.  There are buyers and suppliers in the classes, and this offers a unique opportunity for each to see things from the other side’s perspective.  Some comments we have received from students include:

"CCTE Core Weeks allow participants the time to share ideas, experiences, frustrations and successes with other travel professionals.  You have the opportunity to come away from the programs with fresh approaches to problem-solving and to improve your own professional knowledge significantly." 

"The CCTE Core Week I was a great experience.  The course material encompassed a wide spectrum of highly applicable disciplines.  I find myself using what I learned each day, even after twenty years in the business."

"The CCTE program was a valuable experience providing both industry related education and networking with peers.  My biggest take away as a supplier was a better understanding of the challenges and issues facing corporate travel buyers.  I would highly recommend anyone in the travel industry to enroll in the program! "

"I learned how to better communicate with other departments in my company, especially the finance department, and can provide them with the data they need."

Post-Graduation

After graduation from the CCTE program, some students go on to The Global Leadership Professional (GLP) program, a master's level executive education program developed by the NBTA Foundation in conjunction with The Wharton School.  It is the only master's level accredited course offered within the business travel industry and is designed to build upon the CCTE program. 

The focus of the GLP Program is strategic. It is more than a travel management program; it uses an interdisciplinary approach that addresses both the opportunities and challenges of conducting business in today's environment. The program aims to provide individuals with the keys to create value for corporations and customers and to inspire professional achievement.