Coping With Covid-19
This week Travel Courier checks in with Leah Holt, Travel Advisor at Go Travel Edson, to find out how she’s managing during the ongoing global pandemic.
Tell us a little bit about what it’s been like being a travel agent over the past few weeks?
I have been a travel agent for five years and I have never experienced such stress as I did the week of March 10. That is when it peaked for me. After four long days of answering emails, filling out forms, keeping up with ever changing cancellation policies and holding on the phone for hours, I had to make myself step away from my computer and take a break. It was wreaking havoc on my shoulders and neck. In the past, many of my friends have told me “You have the best job!”, and I would agree with them, but this whole Covid-19 outbreak brought out the worst aspects of my career.
What kind of impact has this had on your income?
The next few months will be very difficult. Since becoming an agent, my success has continued to grow as well as my income, until this month. My earnings have come to a grinding halt.
Have you had a client or supplier do something nice for you during this time?
I had one very appreciative client drop off a gift card for me which was very kind. I had cancelled their flights for them the day before they were to leave. I’m not sure if all my clients understand the impact on travel agencies and what we are facing.
Do you have any strategies to get through the next few months?
For now we are taking one day at a time, enjoying our family time. I will continue to promote travel, share stories, learn more about destinations and tour operators. I know human beings will never lose their inner curiosity of seeing and experiencing other cultures and places of the world. We will travel again, but until then I want to keep showing my clients what they can look forward to when COVID-19 leaves us!
I know human beings will never lose their inner curiosity of seeing and experiencing other cultures and places of the world. We will travel again, but until then I want to keep showing my clients what they can look forward to when COVID-19 leaves us!
Leah Holt
If there’s one positive thing that’s come out of this, it’s been that people have seen the value of using a travel agent firsthand. Do you agree?
Absolutely! I have had people call me, who never booked with me, asking for help. I usually can’t do much for them because of privacy laws but I give them my best advice. They are frustrated with hold times and getting no answers. Before hanging up, almost everyone has said, “I will be booking with you next time!”
Do you have any advice for other agents during this time?
Shift your focus. Take the time to learn. Stay healthy, get active and stay positive. This pandemic will end so be ready! People are going to want to get out of here as soon as they can.
