Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
I am a destination wedding travel agent and wedding planner, arranging weddings to tropical and romantic locations. My area of expertise is Indian destination weddings, being Indian myself. I am one the top destination wedding specialists in Canada with the high-end resort brands like Hyatt Ziva Resorts and Hard Rock All Inclusive Collection, and I have helped set the ways for Indian weddings at these resorts. I have over 20 years of event planning experience (previously as a hotel banquet manager, event coordinator for TED conferences, etc.) and over 10 years of experience as a travel agent. I lived in London, U.K. for one year and travelled all over the world, all before starting my career in destination weddings.
Why and how did you decide to become a travel advisor?
My two passions were travel and Indian weddings so I was trying to find a way to bring both together. I knew I had to learn all about travel before specializing in weddings and I really submerged myself into it. It has been 10 years and I have not looked back since becoming a travel agent.
What’s your favourite part of being a travel agent?
When I meet my couple at their wedding resort, I am able to show them where they are getting married. At that moment my bride and groom knew why they asked all their friends and family (of 100-200 guests) to travel so far, because they knew their dream wedding was finally becoming a reality.
What’s the main thing that’s changed about your clients or the travel industry since the pandemic?
The limited demand and increase of cost of everything, from the resort accommodations, to flights to wedding costs. My couple understand more now than ever, you get exactly what you pay for, so when they select a resort they know the value and quality they are receiving means more than a cheap getaway.
Do you believe more people are using travel advisors since the pandemic? Why or why not?
Yes and no. For higher end trips and weddings, yes they see the value and learned how online agencies did not help them when the pandemic started. But for the wedding guests who did not pick the resort or location, they will always try to look online to see if there is a better deal out there. But soon realize my group rates are the best option for them.
Can you share a special travel memory and what travel means to you?
From my personal travel? Spending New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2023, with my family celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary by going to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids. I planned my family trip to Egypt and Jordan for my family – three generations all together to celebrate my parents and to sail down the Nile. It was a trip of a lifetime for me and my family. And something I wish to share with my clients so they can experience something similar themselves.
From a client’s wedding: It would be when my bride and groom wanted to surprise their entire wedding group (200 guests) with fireworks during their reception in Los Cabos. It was my duty to get everyone in the ballroom outside on the steps overlooking the pool/beach where the fireworks would go off. I tricked the group by saying to come outside for a group family photo with the entire group of 200. They were not happy as I was taking them away from dinner and dancing. As soon as the fireworks went off, all 200 guests started cheering and crying as it was the most beautiful moment they got to share. To create memories and experiences like this is why I do what I do.
What’s still on your travel must see list?
The Maldives, Seychelles and Tahiti. Anywhere tropical with a pretty beach is where I belong!
In hindsight, what do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out?
How to say no. Trust my gut and say no to clients/couples from the get go.
Where do you stand on charging fees?
I stand 100% behind it. All agents should charge so travellers learn our value and respect our time. Right now people don’t know that I get paid only after everyone travels, and by charging a fee it will stop people from shopping around as it will save their time and ours.
What’s the nicest thing a client has ever done for you?
Making me feel like I am part of their family and asking me to join in the wedding festivities as a guest, not just their travel agent or wedding planner.
Do you have anything to add?
I really believe in destination weddings because having weddings at home is quite chaotic and no one really enjoys it or remembers it. With a destination wedding not only is everyone coming together to celebrate a wedding, but have a multi-generation family vacation too, something we did not get to do growing up. With a destination wedding, my couple and their parents can actually enjoy time with their guests and do not need to worry about hosting or feeding guests, as that is all taken care of by staying at an all-inclusive resort. At each wedding I do, the guests who were reluctant to travel are the ones raving how great it was by the end of it, and recommending it to everyone else they know. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I get to mix my culture of the east with the life of the west and is the perfect balance of the two worlds I belong to.
