Walter Verzuu
Where were you born? In Apeldoorn, Holland – in 1930. I’m now 82!
What was your 1st job? As a passenger agent with KLM in Amsterdam in the ‘50s.
Tell me about your 1st airplane ride. In a DC 3, from Amsterdam to Basel.
How has the business changed since you got into it? Well the airlines only had 2 classes: First and Tourist. When we checked people in we had to ask each passenger how much they weighed, for weight and balance purposes. It was a little embarrassing!
Do you have a specialty? FIT. This year I’m finding Argentina, Chile and Peru very popular.
What was your best FAM? One of the 1st, with Alitalia in 1960 to Kenya and South Africa. A long time ago! But on the whole I hate FAMs. I haven’t been on a FAM in 30 years because of the way people behave on them, drinking too much and so on.
What drives you crazy? The unbelievable variety in fares. The attitude of the airlines where there is no personal contact any more - they don’t give a hoot. And the rules and regulations are absolutely ridiculous. Also, non-refundable hotel deposits.
What was your biggest individual sale? An around the world trip for a couple that cost $190,000. That was a nice one.
What’s the 1st thing you do when you get into a hotel room? I go to the washroom! (laughs) Quite frankly, I’m very easy about hotel rooms.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? No, but out of 100 people who come into the agency 97 will buy. My magic secret? Knowing my product and having seen it.
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked? It was when I worked for KLM and was checking in the wife of a very important person. Back then, excess baggage was calculated at 1 percent of the first class fare, per kilo. She had no idea what 1 percent meant. I had to explain, “So let’s say you have 100 apples…”
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? I’ve had some clients for 50 years – some are as old as I am or older! Because I can do better than a website.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? “Don’t give up.”
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which one would you pick? Italy - I love the people, the architecture, the food, the wine – it’s a great destination.
Any retirement plans? I’m actually working on Freedom 95 now (laughs). I may retire in 2 years.
If you or someone you know is a front line travel agent in Canada and would like to be featured in Up Front, please email martha@gk.openjaw.xyz.
