Q&A with Ashley Hanneman
Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been a travel advisor?
I am a single mother of two wonderful children ages 14 and 10, and the owner/founder of Monarch Travel Pros in Sherwood Park, Alberta. My family and I are all very active, love to travel and be outdoors. My professional background consists of 15 years working in the legal field as a paralegal. In 2019 I decided to start-up my own business. Less than one year following the incorporation, Monarch Travel Pros became so busy that I made the executive decision to officially resign from my legal career. It has now been four full years operating solely under my own business and I have never looked back. Choosing to follow my dreams was the best decision I ever made.
Why did you decide to become a travel advisor?
I am a girl with an undeniable passion for travelling and experiencing life to the fullest. Back when I was in elementary school I was infatuated with marine life. It was my dream at that age to become an ocean biologist. I would read books and always imagine what it would be like to experience these adventures in person, and still remember the first time I saw the ocean, and felt at peace. That is the day I realized I had found my passion and knew I needed to see more of the world.
What do you specialize in?
Leisure, adventure, all-inclusive, groups, corporate, and Europe.
What have been some of your greatest career achievements to date?
Well to start, I am one of the advisors whose business survived the covid-19 pandemic back in 2020. It was a painful first couple of months as I had over 200 travellers scheduled to depart the following week of when the pandemic hit. Once the dust settled, I knew I could either sink or swim, so I decided to take that year as a blessing and rebrand, and expand my knowledge with additional online training so when the international borders finally re-opened I was able to hit the ground back running where I left off. Ever since, I can proudly say I have built my business entirely through referrals and repeat clientele. Monarch Travel has earned the Community Votes Platinum Award for Top Travel Agency in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Last year was filled with huge milestones, and opportunities that I am so grateful for. In September I attended the 2024 Association of Canadian Travel Agencies Industry Summit where I participated as one of the panel speakers regarding Navigating Success & Strategies for new and upcoming thriving travel advisors. Following the Summit I was accepted by ACTA to attend their International Destination Conference in the Azores.
What do you wish everybody knew about travel advisors?
I wish everyone understood how much blood, sweat and tears really go into travel planning. Many believe that we focus on the ‘best deals’ or whatever makes us commission, when that is not the case at all. Every client has a different vision and unique travel style which is why we always take the time to get to know you. It is so important when choosing a travel advisor that it is the right fit. Our success is a result of our passion and consistency, not money driven sales. If we don’t feel confident selling a product or service, we won’t. We take pride in providing exceptional service and in turn maintain long-lasting relationships with all of our clients.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
The relationships I have built with clients and industry partners over the years. Each and every one of them have become like family to me. I believe that travelling is truly the best way to live life to its fullest and it’s such an amazing feeling knowing I am creating lifelong memories for all of my clients.
What destinations and types of trips have you been booking?
A lot of sun, and all-inclusive trips. Winter in Alberta can get very cold, and once December rolled around I was extremely busy booking last-minute vacations.
What do you do to grow your clientele?
When I first started out I used social media a lot to advertise as it is the best way to get your name around. I don’t advertise as much anymore but I still remain active on all my social media pages as a way to consistently communicate with clients, and the public. Word of mouth, and referrals played a significant role in my success. Building and maintaining a strong reputation with clientele continually contributes to nonstop referrals rolling in. Being honest is something I am known for, and something my clients appreciate. The first few years of my career I made it a priority to travel to all the popular destinations so I could experience these places and gain firsthand knowledge. Searching the internet, and viewing photos online are not a reliable source of information. Every client is different, which is why getting out there to see these places, meet suppliers, tour resorts, and experience excursions is the best way to know whether or not a product suits a client’s needs. I wouldn’t send anyone anywhere I wouldn’t personally go myself, nor sell them anything I am not 100% confident in. If a client comes to me with a destination or product that I am not familiar with, I tell them that.
What’s your best piece of advice for new agents?
Absorb as much information as you can. Take webinars, attend in person supplier events/tradeshows, go on supplier FAM trips, communicate and build relationships with your industry partners. TRAVEL! It’s the only way to gain personal knowledge to better help assist your clients. Experience new destinations, visit popular touristy spots, and tour hotels/resorts. Never ever sell a product based on price, sell based on your knowledge. Clients rely on us for a reason, so be consistent and maintain your professional image. You are your brand.
Do you have anything to add?
My heart is in my business. I credit my success to my passion for what I do and can truly relate to the saying, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
