Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
I was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario, and have been in the travel industry since 1997. My parents were born and raised in Italy so as a child my vacations consisted of travelling to Italy and often staying one-two months in the summer. Visiting Italy multiple times, exploring its ancient cities, and savoring its delicious food and gelato were the unforgettable highlights of my trips. As an adult, I traveled frequently to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean islands, Mexico and Hawaii. In Hawaii, the island offers a stunning mix of beaches, mountains, and volcanoes, and experiencing a luau was truly a delight.
I am currently with Host Agency Onvigo. I love working with Onvigo because they empower me to offer the best experiences to my clients with all the support and resources that I need to grow my business. The flexibility, access to exclusive offers, and the strong sense of community they provide make my job even more rewarding. I love the travel industry because there is always something new out there for you to experience. Going on countless adventures and finding the most unique excursions no matter where I go is the favorite part of my trips and what I truly enjoy.
What do you specialize in and why?
- River cruises. River cruises combine relaxation with exploration. They offer a more intimate, scenic experience compared to ocean cruises, allowing travelers to see the heart of cities and towns along major rivers while enjoying luxury and comfort on board. It offers travelers a stress-free, all-encompassing travel experience with breathtaking views, local culture, and high-quality service.
- Organized group tours. These tours appeal to people who prefer the convenience of having every detail planned for them, while still having the opportunity to meet new people and share experiences. Group tours offer structure, and for many, the reassurance of expert guides who know the history and nuances of each destination. It offers travelers who want a stress-free vacation with built-in camaraderie and a deep dive into new places
- Independent tours. Independent tours provide flexibility and the ability to design a unique, personalized experience. They’re perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace but still want some guidance or recommendations on key attractions and logistics. It offers travelers independent touring who crave autonomy while ensuring they have the support they need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- All Inclusive destinations. All-inclusive resorts are perfect for travelers who want everything taken care of up front—lodging, meals, activities, and sometimes even excursions. It offers the convenience and peace of mind that comes with a budget-friendly, hassle-free vacation. It’s a great option for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway without worrying about unexpected costs or logistics.
I focus on these travel types to cater to various traveller preferences—whether they’re looking for relaxation, adventure, social interaction, or complete freedom. It gives me the opportunity to create tailored, memorable experiences for people with diverse travel needs and interests.
I recently read a study that women above the age of 50 will drive $746 billion in travel spending by 2035 – coming in right after millennials. Does that align with your clientele?
I cater to female clientele over the age of 50, however my clientele ranges from Generation Z to the Baby Boomers.
Are you noticing any interesting trends from the bookings you have? Are your clients still travelling to the U.S. with the ongoing tariffs?
The majority of my clientele are travelling to Europe, UK, Mexico/Caribbean islands. I mostly only sell Florida for commencing on a Caribbean Cruise.
Tell us a little bit about a booking that stands out – whether it’s the most expensive, the longest, the most adventurous, etc.
My booking that holds a special place would be for a young couple that wanted to go to Italy/Barcelona for the first time. As a young couple they were on a budget but still wanted to be able to experience the wonders that those two countries offer. I put together an itinerary that would fit their needs while enjoying the Italian countryside by train to staying in low budget prime location hotels and prearranging mini day tours to utilize their time in Italy and Barcelona.
What are your thoughts on FAM trips? Are they valuable? Why? Do they help you sell more? How can they be improved?
I try and go on two-three FAM trips a year. I believe they are extremely valuable, and they definitely allow me to sell more as they provide me with firsthand experience, which is a personal service I can provide my clients. I have gone on site inspections to resorts that if I have beach lovers I would not send them to or when I have a client that wants top-rated food I know the perfect resort to send them to. I would like to see a few FAM trips that would also include site excursions as it would also be great to have firsthand knowledge to advise clients where to go while in destinations, places to go explore and visit.
What’s the biggest challenge you are facing in the travel industry right now? What do you think can be done to help it?
A big challenge currently facing the travel industry is unpredictability—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are still fluctuating travel restrictions, changing regulations, and unpredictable shifts in demand. For example, flight cancellations, staffing shortages, and inconsistent travel policies can create a lot of uncertainty for both travelers and businesses.
Better communication and transparency, flexibility in bookings, workforce solutions, emphasis on sustainability is needed in the industry.
Nominator:
“Since joining Onvigo, Sandra has demonstrated an impressive ability to grow her expertise as an Independent Travel Advisor (ITA) and translate that knowledge into measurable success. Her commitment to learning has not only enhanced her skills but also directly impacted her leads and sales. Sandra has built a strong online presence, effectively showcasing her credentials, expertise, and achieving Super Agent status.
What sets Sandra apart is her conscious decision to utilize her expertise as a platform to shine in the travel industry. She’s developed a strong book of business, coupled with her specialization in a diverse range of travel products, is nothing short of impressive.
But perhaps even more remarkable is the innovative spirit with which she markets her services, employing out-of-the-box strategies that highlight her proficiency but also forge an authentic connection with her clientele. Her sponsorship of local soccer team jerseys through The Bolton Wanderers Soccer Club has introduced ONVIGO to over 1,500 members, embedding the brand into the heart of her community and expanding awareness in an impactful way. Her five-star client testimonials demonstrate her exceptional service and attention to detail. Sandra’s passion for travel is evident in everything she does. She consistently seeks opportunities to upskill through supplier trainings, attend industry events/FAM’s and foster relationships with vendor partners. Her enthusiasm for curating unforgettable travel experiences for her clients is truly unmatched. She was the recipient of ONVIGO’s Sales Achievement Award in 2024 and has maintained her leading sales position into 2025, continuously surpassing her targets and setting new benchmarks for success.
What makes Sandra’s journey even more extraordinary is that she has accomplished all of this while continuing to operate her in-home childcare business, balancing her family life while growing a travel business. Her ability to manage both with such dedication is a true testament to her resilience, passion, and commitment to success. Onvigo commends her dedication, growth, and contributions to the travel industry and highly recommends her for this recognition. In recognition of her transformative journey to the travel industry—from a full-time professional in childcare to a successful Independent Travel Advisor, and the significant strides she has made in curating travel experiences, it is an absolute pleasure to nominate Sandra. She is the embodiment of what it means to be dedicated, resourceful, and truly impassioned by the wonders of travel. An inspiration to those thinking about a similar transition.”
