Heather McNamara
Where were you born? In Smiths Falls, Ont.
What was your 1st job? Washing dishes at a summer camp when I was 15.
How long have you been in the business? 7 ½ years – before that I was a graphic designer. I started travelling and loved it and helping friends plan their holidays, thought I might as well earn some money doing it!
Tell me about your 1st airplane ride. To Calgary, to work at the Banff Springs Hotel as a chambermaid.
How has the business changed since you got into it? It’s changed from printed to e-tickets, and the commissions going downwards. The education that the suppliers and destinations give you has increased with specialist programs, and contact we have with them is much more than it used to be.
Do you have a specialty? Caribbean and Ireland – I have an Irish background and love the country and the people.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? The one I’ve got!
What was your best FAM? With the Jamaica Tourist Board, there were 10 of us plus a driver and guide. We got to see places off the tourist map that we could tell our clients about. We really clicked as a group and are all still in touch.
What drives you crazy? People who can’t make up their minds! And people who want a 5-star all inclusive for $1,000!
What was your biggest individual sale? 3 weeks in Europe for a couple - $17,000.
What’s the 1st thing you do when you get into a hotel room? Check out the bathroom, the amenities and the view - what’s included such as coffee, minibar.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? “Which credit card would you like to use?”
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked? (laughs) One guy wanted me to check out resorts for March break, nothing in Mexico but he wanted me to include Cozumel.
How do you cope with jetlag? I’ve never experienced it! When I fly to Ireland I just stay up the whole day. I just keep going.
What do you do to keep you clients loyal? I make up booklets on each destination. I’m available any time of day and I also print and mail their tickets and deliver them personally when possible. I also keep giving them tidbits about their destination right up to departure time.
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which one would you pick? There are so many places! Probably Ecuador, because of the Galapagos, the Amazon, the rainforest, the culture…
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? Probably back being a graphic designer.
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.
