Joko Tea made a brilliant TV advertisement about 17 years ago that is timeless in its wickedly brilliant humour:
“A well-dressed gentleman at an airport counter was furious because his flight had been delayed. In his rage, he demanded to be treated as a priority, loudly declaring, “Do you know who I am?” Without missing a beat, the attendant picked up the microphone after having a sip of her Joko tea and announced, “Attention, ladies and gentlemen, we have a passenger here who does not know who he is. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to the counter.”
From boardrooms to beaches, my journey through three decades of travel, driven by my pure passion for travel, has left me realising that I do, in fact, know who I am.
Navigating the intricate world of corporate travel, my transition from corporate travel advisor to leisure travel professional reflects the evolution of the travel industry itself.
This evolution and my extensive experience, insider knowledge, and dedication to saving clients money have shaped how I approach travel planning today.
Gone are the days when travel advisors were just ticket bookers.
Today, we navigate a complex web of industry knowledge, advanced booking platforms, and traveller insights. This mirrors my journey of what I do for a living, from managing the precise demands of corporate travel to crafting unforgettable leisure experiences.
Adapting and thriving amidst industry changes has led me to constantly devour travel articles, news, and industry insights, like a pack of fresh cinnamon doughnuts with a hot cup of tea. I have a passion for travel. This passion has taken me beyond a phoenix rising from the ashes—unbound and soaring high.
In the past, travel agents were pure intermediaries, channelling requests through tour operators who controlled access to exclusive deals and packages. The modern travel advisor has evolved beyond these traditional boundaries. With direct access to suppliers, advanced technology, and a vast network of industry contacts, today’s travel advisors can bypass the so-called “gatekeepers” of the industry. The shift, although daunting, allows us to source deals directly, tailor experiences more precisely, and offer unique value and personalisation to our clients.
This transformation is evident in my practice when most of my time is not just spent finding that perfect match for my client’s requirements but crunching the numbers alongside it. The same practice I applied to my corporate travel days, where the bottom line meant everything to keep CEO’s and CFO’s happy. Money talks and we all know what walks, right?
By forging direct relationships with hotels, airlines, and local tour guides, I can offer clients exclusive perks, unique experiences, and competitive pricing that were once the domain of large tour operators. Curating personalised itineraries without the constraints of pre-packaged tours has revolutionised how I serve my clients, making each journey a genuinely exceptional adventure with a favourable price tag. Nothing beats finding that long awaiting and wanted “Travel Mug” on Sale!
If there is one thing Travel Advisors hate most, it is change, but in the world and business of travel, it is unavoidable. So, it’s time to embrace this change and move with it or be left behind.
In his book “On the Origin of Species” (1869), Charles Darwin uses the phrase “Survival of the fittest.” He was not talking about the crazy new gym culture we see on the TikToks, but the ability to adapt. He basically said, “Adapt or Die,” and the Dodo bird, native to Mauritius is a great example of this point. This flightless bird went extinct in the late 17th century because they, as a species, had no natural predators, making it vulnerable when humans arrived on the island.
The shift from corporate to leisure travel has been both challenging and exhilarating.
Corporate travel demands precision, efficiency, and often last-minute problem-solving skills. Leisure travel, on the other hand, allows for more creativity and personalisation. I find such joy in crafting dream holidays, from booking secluded island getaways to arranging unique cultural tours and experiences. One of my favourite success stories involves a family who wanted a unique European adventure; they originally planned only to Greece. I curated a two-week-long itinerary that started in Barcelona and ended in Italy, including a cooking class on the Amalfi Coast by a 10-year-old who could make pasta as good as his “Nona” back in the day. Not forgetting the Fiat 500 Convertable that was Dad’s dream to drive along the hills from Positano to Sorento. Despite Turkish Airlines losing their luggage not once but twice and Mom’s concerns about knowing where the closest pediatric hospital was and pharmacy for their daughter’s medical condition, I wrapped everything beautifully in my travel app day by day, making this memory something they share with friends and family. Every time I bump into this family out in ordinary everyday life, we chat about planning their next adventure.
What was once a scary thing for this family to do, travelling with a youngster with medical issues, has become easier and less stressful, a testament to the transformative power of travel when meticulously planned and done so with passion.
My transformation from a corporate travel advisor to a leisure travel consultant embodies the very essence of the modern travel advisor. With insider knowledge, dedication to service, and passion for travel, striving to rise to every challenge, creating a legacy of unforgettable journeys and lifelong memories for my clients. I am not scared of change or threatened by the “dingoes” that have been newly introduced to my natural habitat but rather embrace it to be the best version of myself while I adapt and thrive. I love the work I do, ensuring that every trip is not just a journey but a memorable experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned corporate traveller or looking to embark on a dream holiday, my expertise and passion for travel will guide you every step of the way. The rise of the independent travel advisor signifies a new era where personalised, direct service replaces the need for traditional tour operators. In this landscape, the travel advisor’s role is more vital than ever, ensuring every traveller has a unique experience they treasure forever.
So what are you waiting for?
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Thank you and best oof luck.