Hey, it's
Federico Berardinucci!
Strategic Account Manager Ontario, Quebec & Atlantic Canada for The Velvet Collection Canada
How have you been coping during the last nine months and how have you been keeping busy?
I am taking everything in stride and trying to do my part to make sure I’m following the protocols that are put in place whenever leaving the household, which is very rarely to grab groceries and the essentials. To be currently employed in an industry that is currently recovering is a blessing and I count mine every single day. I try to keep up-to-date on any news about rapid testing and the roll out of the vaccines as it’s crucial for the restart of our industry and when speaking with the Advisor community, I share the positive news so that they can see the progress being made and I can hopefully inspire them to remain hopeful about the fact that we are almost through this. The way I’ve been keeping myself busy is through connecting with agents via phone or virtually for the human connection and for them to know I am here to support them in whichever manner suits their needs. On a personal note, my wife and I are expecting so I am doing a lot of research of what is required for when our little one arrives – another way I’ve been keeping busy!
“I am very optimistic about the news of rapid testing and the COVID-19 vaccine. Once both have rolled out, people will be more comfortable travelling. At first, it might be slow but once these measures have been in place for a couple of months and people feel more comfortable to travel, brighter days are ahead of us.”
Federico Berardinucci
The Velvet Collection Canada
How are you staying connected with travel advisors during this time?
I connect with them virtually, preferably using Microsoft Teams. In a time where we are all working from home and unable to travel, this is the best time to connect with each other and make this unprecedented period as normal as possible. There are Advisors that prefer a phone call and I adapt to their needs. With any updates and our latest offers, I do have a distribution list to keep everyone up to speed on all things The Velvet Collection which is our newest restructured sales force representing our award-winning premium and luxury brands. The Collection includes the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold and African Travel, Inc. The Velvet Collection sales team offers one comprehensive resource of knowledgeable, highly-skilled and cross-trained TTC Strategic Account Managers and Partner Services Co-ordinators across its premium and luxury brands to serve their loyal Travel Advisor community nationwide.
If you could pick just one, which Uniworld ship or itinerary would you want to experience next and why?
If I had to choose just one, I think it would be our brand new ship in Italy, the S.S. La Venezia. This ship has replaced our beautiful River Countess and has elevated the entire onboard experience. The S.S. La Venezia drew its influence from 1930’s Italy and this ship takes river cruising to a whole new level of luxury. This was our new project with legendary luxury textiles producer and design powerhouse, Fortuny, which showcases a reimagined S.S. La Venezia featuring Fortuny’s incomparable fabrics enveloping guests in beauty, tradition and artistry of its Northern Italian itinerary. I was actually supposed to host a FAM this year with five lucky agents but unfortunately it was not meant to be (thanks to COVID). I am Italian and there is no greater feeling than visiting the country where your roots stem from, plus who doesn’t love Italian food!
What do you miss most about travelling?
I miss the hustle and bustle. I miss visiting new destinations, exploring places that you would never see unless you were working in our amazing industry. I miss seeing friends who live in other provinces/countries – I miss it all, really! As much as I love to travel, there is no greater feeling than going home after an amazing journey and seeing my family. The truth is that I’ve seen the silver lining throughout the pandemic just like many of us, related to the fact that I’ve been able to enjoy quality time with my family.
Do you have anything you want to share with travel agents?
Stay strong, have faith that the light at the end of the tunnel is near. It’s been an unprecedented year and whatever doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger and we will all come out of this knowing that we can take on anything that comes our way! Also be prepared because when the flood gates open, we are all going to flourish from it. We are resilient and stronger together.
Is there something that you think people may not know about Uniworld?
Some may not know this but Uniworld as well as all the other brands under The Travel Corporation have taken the Make Travel Matter Pledge. This Pledge is to help protect the people, planet and wildlife. The Pledge speaks about refusing to use single use plastics, purchase locally made items wherever possible and when experiencing wildlife, we have committed to not riding the animals or supporting animal cruelty. This Pledge is near and dear to all of our hearts and we encourage others to join as well via this link: https://www.treadright.org/pledge/.
There’s been a lot of talk about the travel industry coming out better on the other side of COVID-19. What are your hopes?
I am very optimistic about the news of rapid testing and the COVID-19 vaccine. Once both have rolled out, people will be more comfortable travelling. At first, it might be slow but once these measures have been in place for a couple of months and people feel more comfortable to travel, brighter days are ahead of us.
How has travel impacted your life?
It has given me such passion to acquire more knowledge and to learn more about our beautiful world. There is so much out there and without being able to travel, you miss out on such amazing experiences, destinations, people and life itself! I love what I do and hope to do it for the rest of my life.
Do you have anything to add?
I miss the entire Travel Advisor community and I hope to see them very soon! Stay well and have a happy holiday season.
