DWHSA is introducing its “master specialist” professional certification program for travel agents with extensive experience and skills in romance travel!
By successfully passing the requirements for this “master specialist” program, you will earn this designation from DWHSA:
Certified Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, and
Romance Travel Master Specialist
This certification program is designed as a professional credential that you may use to promote your services to clients and prospects. You will receive permission to use the CDWHRTMS designation as well as a special certification logo that you may add to your business cards, your web site, and other materials.
Click here to apply for the “master specialist” program!
What are the requirements to qualify for the “master specialist” program?
Before you may be considered, you must meet one of these criteria: (a) passing the DWHSA basic certification exam, or (b) demonstrating at least two years of experience selling destination weddings, honeymoons, or other types of romance travel.
If you choose the second option, please send any evidence of at least two years of experience in romance travel (e.g., a letter from your host agency owner) to Lisa Sheldon at [email protected]. You may also send her questions at this email address if you’re not sure about the best types of proof to submit.
Once you have satisfied this initial step, you will have a full year (12 months from the date of your master specialist application) to complete the following requirements in order to earn the “master specialist” designation:
* A white paper” (2,500-3,500 words) on a topic approved by DWHSA that pertains to the business of romance travel
* Six (6) experiential essays (300-500 words each) on aspects of your romance travel business OR six (6) client testimonials
* A six-month (6 months) marketing plan for your business
* A marketing piece that you’ve created to use at a bridal show or to give to wedding vendors in your area for networking purposes
* Your choice of two of the following:
1. Creating a 15- to 30-second video ad for your business
2. Creating a Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or Google+ account for your business
3. Creating a guest blog post for DWHSA about some aspect of your business
4. Creating a LinkedIn profile for yourself that emphasizes your romance travel experience
What does the master specialist certification cost?
DWHSA will assess a US$99 fee for administering your master specialist certification qualification for a period of 12 months from the date of your application. This fee includes your master specialist logo once you’ve completed the requirements. (If you do not complete all requirements within the initial 12 months, you will retain credit for work completed by the end of that period – but, you must register again and pay the US$99 fee to continue the qualification process.)
Do you have to be a member of DWHSA in order to earn the master specialist certification?
Yes. Because DWHSA members’ dues paid for the program development and for other expenses (e.g., the certification logo), we feel very strongly that it’s unfair to allow non-member agents to qualify for this designation. Also, DWHSA’s model is offering 24/7/365 networking and training for agents in the romance travel niche, and therefore we want agents who hold this certification to be part of the association.
Therefore, you must be a current member in good standing in order to qualify – and, you must remain in good standing to use the certification. (If you earn the certification but decide later not to renew your DWHSA membership, you will not qualify to continue using the designation.)
Once you earn the master specialist designation, do you have to take steps in the future to retain the certification?
At this time, there are no “recertification” requirements – once you meet the requirements, you will earn the master specialist certification, and you do not have to qualify in any way in the future to retain it. (However, you must remain a DWHSA member in order to qualify to continue using the certification.)
Questions? You can reach us at [email protected] or 615.730.9977!