Where were you born? In Winnipeg.
What was your 1st job? I had a tedious job as a secretary for an insurance company - it was incredibly awful. I also had a 25 year career as a retail buyer with lots of worldwide travel.
How long have you been in the business? Just 4 years.
Do you have a specialty? Europe – I’ve travelled there so often, it’s definitely my niche. And I’m working to moving my clientele into the luxury business.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? I think I’m perfectly happy doing exactly what I’m doing. This is my dream come true.
What was your best FAM? I just got back from the Celebrity Eclipse in the Eastern Caribbean – intense learning but it was excellent!
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? Usually something like, “Do you have any other questions before we finalize this booking?”
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked? I had a couple who asked me how to get to the full moon party in Thailand.
Do you have any time management strategies? I don’t open my e-mails as they come in, I download them only hourly. Otherwise you’re off the track or you never seem to complete anything.
How do you cope with jetlag? I don’t get it. Seasickness either.
What do you do to keep you clients loyal? Ah! I treat them as I’d like to be treated myself. I give them a series of significant pieces of information, such as attraction options and health advisories - and I follow up as soon as they are home. I have about a 90% closure rate which is kind of sweet! I also have a newsletter which I personalize and that helps with the loyalty.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? “Listen – a lot.”
If you had to spend 6 mo. in a destination, which one would you pick? Italy, because within a very small boot-shaped country you have a vast array of cultures, cuisines, architecture, wines, attitudes… It’s an amazing country.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? Retired and volunteering at a nursing home. But that’s down the road on the horizon!
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.
