Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
My career in travel started in 1997 with Thomas Cook Travel, after completing my field placement. I still remember calling tourist boards for general destination information (no internet) and hand-writing airline tickets. In 2000, I joined Ellison Travel & Tours as a Jr. Travel Advisor and now support my team as the Vacation Manager for our Exeter office.
Why and how did you decide to become a travel advisor?
I grew up on a small farm in a rural community close to the beaches of Lake Huron. While it was a beautiful setting, I always had a desire to travel and explore, so after spending a rewarding summer as a teenager helping visitors at our local tourist office, I decided to pursue travel and tourism after high school.
What’s your favourite part of being a travel agent?
I pursued this career with the dream of “travelling the world” and experiencing exotic cultures, food, and traditions. Although I have had many opportunities to travel the past 26 years, I quickly realized my real passion and the most rewarding part of my career was the people I work with every day. The incredible team of travel advisors that support each other in the office, the suppliers who we have developed close relationships with and the highlight, our clients. Every day is a new adventure, and it is so rewarding working with our customers to create trips that will hold a lifetime of memories.
What’s the main thing that’s changed about your clients or the travel industry since the pandemic?
The most significant change is the “value” of the trip. It is no longer about the cheap getaway to a beach for R&R. Our clients are now looking for the opportunities to do those bucket list trips and experience the destination fully, reconnecting with the world around them and the people they love.
Do you believe more people are using travel advisors since the pandemic? Why or why not?
Absolutely, we hear it every day from new clients and referrals, “I typically book on my own, but I want to make sure this is done right.” The travel industry has faced many challenges since the lockdown; flight cancellations and changes, shortage of car rentals, staffing shortages at hotels and restaurants. Our travel advisors understand the need for booking flexibility and travel protection, they have local knowledge and work with reputable suppliers that can ensure their clients are protected.
Can you share a special travel memory and what travel means to you?
I was blessed to sit beside a great-grandmother on my way home from Vietnam. She was returning from a trip to visit lost family, as she hadn’t been home since she escaped on a small boat at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Her story of history, tragedy, loss and survival was one of the most incredible parts of the trip and I will forever be grateful for having met her.
What’s still on your travel must see list?
I have several trips currently in the planning stages. I am really looking forward to travelling through our majestic Rocky Mountains this summer with Rocky Mountaineer. After that, I have a trip planned for a significant birthday celebration to Egypt. Both unique and different experiences but on my personal bucket list.
Where do you stand on charging fees?
The reality is the revenue stream does not compensate advisors for the extra support they offer their clients in planning, booking, and processing reservations. The time invested in research and managing the travel from start to finish requires a professional fee to ensure we can maintain customer service levels and prioritize our clients’ needs.
Do you have anything to add?
I’d like to thank and recognize our suppliers for their support throughout the pandemic. It has been a challenging couple of years, but I believe we have all grown stronger and adapted. I feel so blessed to have worked in the travel industry for 26 years and I still love what I do! Thank you for the nomination.
