Fred Howard of West Sound Technical Skills Center in Bremerton recently earned the Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designation from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA). The CTC designation marks the pinnacle of travel industry professionalism, with candidates required to complete an intense 12-course program and possess at least five years of full-time travel industry experience.

The CTC curriculum consists of courses that prepare travel professionals for leadership roles in the industry by focusing on business, managerial and professional development skills. CTC’s are required to earn ten continuing education credits per year to maintain their designation.