Where were you born? In Khartoum, Sudan. I’m of Lebanese origin, but I came to Canada when I was 21.
What was your 1st job? I worked at Swissair as secretary to the station manager in Khartoum. At the same time, I learned ticketing, petty cash – everything!
Tell me about your 1st airplane ride. With my Mum, who’s Italian, who used to take me to Cairo, her home. One of my 1st memories is looking out of an airplane at the propellers.
Do you have a specialty? 60-70% of our business here is cruises – I’m now getting into promoting river cruises. And I also specialize in adventure travel. But I’ll take anything that comes through the door!
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? What I’m doing now.
What was your best FAM? To Chile with Gateways International. The Andes! Seeing people ski in summer!
What was your biggest individual sale? I just did 3 couples on a Regent European cruise, $66,000.
What’s the 1st thing you do when you get into a hotel room? (Laughs) Look at the bathroom!
How do you cope with jetlag? If I can, I sleep on the plane – it helps that I work very hard the day before flying!
What do you do to keep you clients loyal? I wish I could do more – I wish I had the time. But I do email them and of course when they come back I email or call.
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which one would you pick? I’d love to roam Italy.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? I think I’d be good as a nurse. I’m always helping with older people. And in retirement, I’d love to take up painting. But I love travel!
If you or someone you know, who is a front line travel agent in Canada and would like to be featured in Up Front, please email martha@gk.openjaw.xyz.
