Agnes Segeren-Pethick
Blowes & Stewart Travel Group, Stratford, Ont.
“Agnes is a fantastic travel advisor. She is always friendly and professional, and does a wonderful job planning her clients’ trips. She has been a great supporter of us over the years, and we look forward to continuing to help her clients have a wonderful time in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales in the future. Thank you Agnes, from all of us at RIT!”
Jonathan Sargeant
sales manager, Royal Irish Tours
Meet Agnes Segeren-Pethick
Tell us a little bit about yourself, how long you’ve been in the industry and what made you want to become a travel agent?
My name is Agnes Segeren Pethick and I have worked for Blowes Travel (now Blowes and Stewart Travel Group) for over 40 years (I did start as a teenager). I have been very lucky to stay in my town and with this company for this long. It has always been a give and take on both sides, which has made my stay here very enjoyable.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of my job is talking to clients and helping them make the best decision for them and what they are really looking for. I also really like going into the office every day to work with my colleagues. We are always discussing the news. and latest and greatest things in the travel industry.
How has travel impacted your own life?
It has been great because Stratford is a small city with amazing people from all walks of life. I have been able to stay here and grow with our community and the business. When I started with Blowes Travel they had two offices, we grew to six offices and now that we have joined and formed the Blowes & Stewart Travel Group, we have 11 offices.
How are you coping in this crazy COVID-19 world? What are you focusing on right now?
My number one priority right now is my clients. I talk to them, explain their options, answer their questions so they can make the best decision for them. Helping my clients with their insurance claims as this can be very frustrating for most people… and we like to take the stress away from them at this crazy time. For the clients that are booked into the summer and later, I call them and talk to them, so they know that I am thinking of them.
Prior to all this, what were some of the big trends you were noticing in travel or that your clients were looking for from a getaway?
First, clients are really coming back to the travel agent, the professionals that can help them plan the best experience and help them with all the extras such as seat selection, ground transportation, extra hotel bookings, car rentals, travel Insurance and any extras they may want to add. Regarding trends, I would have to say that they are not always looking for the cheapest/best price, they are looking for great value, options, extra amenities, added features and all the things that make their vacations a great experience.
Have you had any interesting or strange requests from clients?
I feel that each clients has their own interests and thoughts about what they would like and it is up to me to find them exactly what they want.
How many countries have you been to and where would you like to go next when we can travel again?
I have been to over 40 countries, but still have a lot on my bucket list.
What’s a big misconception people have about travel agents?
That we do not add value to a vacation experience.
Do you have anything to add?
The clients that deal with me, a travel professional, know they will get the very best I have to offer. We are here for them in times when the unpredictable events happen such as strikes, hurricanes, tsunamis, 9/11, SARS, the stock market crash in 2008, the Gulf war, and now COVID-19. These clients are the most important commodity we have right now and they will be our advertising in the next months and years. COVID-19 is by far the worst because this affects the world. The travel business will be hit very hard and this will take more than a few months, it will take years to come back, and it will be different.
