Oded Grofman of the Israel Government Tourist Office with Vicky, Haim Gutin, Government of Israel Consul and Alexandra
Ladies at the top: Inna Zelener-Vinokurov, executive VP with Vicky Zaltsman and Alexandra Pelts
The staff pose for a pre-bash group shot
YYZ Staffers Galina Bubenova, Olga Chlykova and Lioudmila Kryjanovskaia
Vicky Zaltsman along with Mr. TICO, Michael Pepper
You normally associate marquees and valet service with weddings, not travel company events. Yet it was clear that the staff of YYZ Travel near Toronto were determined to put on a first class affair – and they did.
Marking the company’s 25th year in business, the event was attended by some 350 staff, industry players, media and valued clients. And with an annual turnover of $55 million, it’s clear that YYZ has many valued clients indeed.
The company shared some interesting info: The YYZ Travel Group actually comprises four companies (their retail division, plus a home-based travel team); Aufgang Travel, specializing in the Middle East; and Canadian Gateway, a wholesale arm which specializes in travel to Russia and Eastern Europe. YYZ is the General Sales Agent for Malev Airlnes, the official carrier of Hungary. And they have 100 employees who between them speak 20 languages.
Oh, and the ladies on staff are incredibly fashionable and wear killer heels.
To what do they owe their success? Alexandra Pelts, Administrative President, told me that “We have always challenged ourselves to do our best and align ourselves with successful companies.” Executive President Vicky Zaltsman acknowledged the company’s close ties with Eastern Europe – “It’s in our background and heritage” but she stressed that other areas are important too.
And the quirky name? “Honestly, when we started we had no promotion budget. So we thought if people saw our name on every baggage tag on the carousel at Pearson Airport, they’d think we were a lot bigger than we were!” recalled Zaltsman with a laugh.
What’s next for the YYZ Travel Group? Zaltsman’s goal is to be one of the first travel companies to send clients to outer space.
Pelts’ ambitions are a little more modest (but awfully fun-sounding). “One day I want to be the number one client for YYZ Travel!”
Good luck with those dreams ladies: I have a sneaky feeling you’ll achieve whatever you dream of doing.
