Coping during COVID-19
This week Travel Courier checks in with Christine Patterson, Virtuoso Travel Advisor & Wanderlist Specialist with TPI, who has kept busy completing courses and certifications, and by continuing to engage with clients.
What has it been like being a travel advisor during this challenging time?
What started as a fabulous start for my travel business in 2020, has become challenging to say the least. I have worked steadily over the years to build my client base only to have this craziness take over. None of us could have predicted up to now what would we would be dealing with, but I will press forward. I have been working from my home office as an independent travel advisor for Travel Professionals International.
How has this impacted your business and income? How are bookings right now?
The COVID situation has impacted my business and I’ve had to lose some income due to this. My clients do wish to travel, but probably not this year. I have had to postpone or cancel some of my client reservations. I was grateful to our supplier partners for their help/support when I needed it.
For my clients, there is concern with safety, cleanliness protocols and not feeling very comfortable with the many understandable rules that are in place. I have zero bookings at present, however, I am positive that eventually I will get my clients traveling again. There are a few suggestions for destinations I have been working on for some of my clients.
Christine Patterson
“A travel advisor provides invaluable service for their clients. We have the information at our fingertips and if we don’t, we know where to look or who to contact to get it. Some even give ‘free’ advice regarding travel and go above and beyond their duties.
Even before I decided to become a travel advisor, I would use one. They have the expertise, knowledge, efficiency to assist in planning the perfect vacation or trip. I am very proud to be a travel advisor. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.“
What do you miss most about travelling?
I miss the planning of “where to next?”; the anticipation of going somewhere new. How exciting to be able to fly, to cruise, use the train and even drive to see a new destination? Learning about the culture, the history, the food and meeting new people or friends does it for me. The more I travel, the more I want to travel, to experience a city or country.
There’s been a lot of talk about the domestic market recovering first. Are you doing anything to grow your business this way?
I have kept in touch with my clients and have sent cards and surveys to them to adjust their travel portfolios for future travel. That way, I will be ready when we’re back to business. I am also trying to reach out to see if traveling close to home is an option whether local or something a little further away, or a short stay seeing some of Canada, exploring somewhere they may have wanted to go.
If there’s one positive thing that’s come out of this situation, it’s been that more people have seen the value of using a travel agent firsthand. Do you agree? How can agents spread the word?
Yes absolutely! Why wouldn’t you?! A travel advisor provides invaluable service for their clients. We have the information at our fingertips and if we don’t, we know where to look or who to contact to get it. Some even give ‘free’ advice regarding travel and go above and beyond their duties.
Even before I decided to become a travel advisor, I would use one. They have the expertise, knowledge, efficiency to assist in planning the perfect vacation or trip. I am very proud to be a travel advisor. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.
As far as advisors ‘spreading the word’ – perhaps get out into your community and meet new people. I use social media for advertising and post some of my own travel adventures as well.
Do you have any strategies to get through the next few months?
I have been very busy catching up on and completing courses that needed to be done. Also, new cruise and destinations certifications. Luckily for me – and I’m sure most of the TPI advisors – we have had non-stop support from our exceptional head office team, management, IT departments from the beginning through ‘Zoom’ meetings, phone calls etc. Truly an outstanding accomplishment during this very stressful time.
We have gone from daily virtual meetings for assistance, venting, laughter and sometimes even some fun games or contests. Now we usually have meetings weekly and help is always available if you need it. There are also extra training/courses/suggestions available for any advisor wishing to update their education.
I have taken advantage of attending this year’s Virtuoso Travel Week ‘virtually’ in August. What a wonderful networking experience! I met with many of our preferred travel partners from all over the world to learn/see what’s going on where they are. Even though we weren’t together in Las Vegas as usual, we were united in our common travel interests. Many destination/brand training and professional development classes were offered. I think I have completed most of them!
I plan to work on my goals in next few weeks and re-organize priorities depending on travel demand.
Outside of my business, I have been gardening, exercising, catching up on needed painting outside around the house. I have taken up golf and joined our local ladies league. I love being outside. I have met new friends, who have expressed interest in the travel industry opening again.
How long have you been in the industry and what are some of your secrets to success?
I have been in the travel industry about nine years. I am passionate about my business and plan on carrying on for the foreseeable future, whatever that may hold. I truly enjoy what I do and enjoy learning something new every day. I have wonderful clients who have also taught me a thing or two during my time as a travel advisor. Sometimes more challenging than others, but you learn to adapt and grow.
Hmm, secrets to success. Have an open mind. Listen to what people say – really listen. Smile more. NEVER stop learning.
Do you have anything to add?
It has been a very rough 2020 so far for everyone. As a travel community, we are all in this together. Reach out and help your co-workers, your family, your friends. Sometimes people are not as resilient as they seem especially during this stressful time. If you want to cry-go ahead. It does help. Trust me. Be optimistic! We will travel again.
Also, take time for ‘YOU’! Take care of yourself-better. There is only one ‘YOU’. Learn something new, that you always wanted to do. Take up a new hobby. Read a good book. Listen to music or try a new music. Watch some great movies. Go for a walk or bike ride or try a new exercise routine. Get lots of fresh air. Wear perfume-yep-everyday. Smile more. Laugh more.
