Q&A with Treasured Moments Travel's Lisa Dunne
Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been a travel advisor?
I have only been an advisor for a year and a half (18 months). I started my journey in late April 2023 behind the scenes before officially marketing myself and booking travel in June 2023. I am a mom to two amazing kids who are now in their 20s, I am a wife to a wonderfully supportive husband, a ‘fur-mom’ to my two lovable German Shepherds and I love country music and travelling.
Why did you decide to become a travel advisor?
I didn’t start travelling until my kids were in their teens and it made me realize what I was missing out on. I quickly fell in love with researching the destinations and resorts I wanted to visit and the excursions and tours I wanted to do. It’s something that I quickly realized I could help others with and that I became very passionate about.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in family and couples’ travel mainly in all inclusive resorts, but I have done some great FIT packages for clients to Europe, and many cruises as well.
What have been some of your greatest career achievements to date?
This past September in New Orleans, I was named as Nexion Canada’s Rising Star for 2024, a huge accomplishment and something I am very proud of. Last week, I was also notified that I am one of the Top 100 Agents for Antigua & Barbuda and will be attending the inaugural Black Pineapple Awards in Antigua in December.
What do you wish everybody knew about travel advisors?
I wish that people knew what value we bring to the table and provide our clients with. We spend many hours staying up-to-date on market trends, constant learning and updates, as well as researching, planning, booking, and being there to help. Unfortunately, many people question why use an agent when they can just go online and book themselves.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I love it when my clients send me photos of them in destination or tag me in a post on their social media. The memories that my clients make are something that makes my heart happy because they are something that they will hold onto and treasure forever.
What destinations and types of trips are you booking right now?
I am always planning and booking all-inclusive vacations for winter and Christmas travel, but I am also in the midst of booking some tours to Ireland, Whales and Italy.
What do you do to grow your clientele?
I am very consistent with my social media marketing. I have a private group rather than a public one and I plan and schedule posts in advance. I also ask for reviews and referrals after my clients have travelled. Providing them with great service is what will help retain the client and also will result in them referring you to others.
What’s your best piece of advice for new agents?
Be patient with yourself. It can all seem overwhelming in the beginning with so much to learn including multiple booking platforms, etc. Prioritize your tasks and work on setting up a system that will help you stay organized. This will help you stay calm during high peak times when you feel like you can’t keep up, and believe in yourself! your clients trust you with their travel plans and you need to have the confidence to help them without hesitation. Find an agent to buddy up with who is willing to help you if possible, this can be invaluable.
Do you have anything to add?
I just want to add that I love this industry and the people in it. I have already met so many new, and wonderful people, and I look forward to a long career in the industry, helping people see the world.
