San Francisco, California, March 21, 2011- International Tour Management Institute (ITMI), www.itmisf.comAmerica’s premier training and certification program for tour directors and guides recently completed its inaugural training and certification program for motor coach drivers. PDJ Global Logistics www.pdjglobal.com, an elite provider of luxury transportation gave its drivers an opportunity to learn valuable interpersonal skills, to enhance the quality of their customer service and to more effectively interact with tour directors and tour guides.

“Motor coach drivers are a critical factor in the success of any tour,” states Ted Bravos, CEO of ITMI. “How drivers interact with passengers and tour directors impacts the entire experience. While all drivers receive safety training, most have not been given the tools to effectively handle the people-related issues that often arise. Our program is designed to give them the knowledge to deal with unexpected situations with grace and confidence. Motor coach operators benefit, because happy passengers are their best form of advertising.”

“In our continuing endeavor to achieve the highest standards of professionalism, we were pleased to provide our motor coach drivers with an opportunity to become the first drivers in the industry, to receive ITMI certification,” said Mike Kersten, CEO of PDJ Global Logistics. ITMI provided valuable insights and guidance, which will undoubtedly have long term benefits for PDJ Global Logistics.”

Benefits of the ITMI driver certification program:

The program delves into the psychology of group travel, illustrating how critical the driver’s role is to the success of a group tour. The dynamics between the driver and tour director can make or break the motor coach group tour experience. If the driver adheres to the principals that are taught, they will gain measurably more enjoyment and satisfaction from their work, undoubtedly receive increased gratuities from appreciative passengers and ultimately generate increased business for the motor coach or charter bus company.

About ITMI:

Since 1976, ITMI has America’s premier training and certification program for tour directors and guides. For more information about ITMI or its various programs contact Joan Keddell (415) 957-9489 email travel@itmisf.comor Annemarie Osborne Annemarie.osborne@gmail.comor visit ITMI’s web site www.itmisf.com

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