Kristina Huhtala
Where were you born? In Sault Ste. Marie.
What was your first job? A library clerk, at the school in Lively, Ont. I was 15.
How long have you been in the business? 20 years, starting with ALBATours in reservations.
Tell me about your 1st airplane ride. To Frankfurt, with the family. I believe my dad was travelling on business.
How has the business changed since you got into it? People are looking for many options because they have educated themselves. I find everything so much more time consuming.
Do you have a specialty? I like to think I’m special at everything! (laughs) I do enjoy corporate and on the leisure side, cruises and luxury product.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? “Bada boom, bada bing!”
What was your best FAM? Greece, on a top performers trip. The people, the amazing views of the islands, the culture. It was honestly beautiful. And Mikonos – party all night!.
What drives you crazy? Suppliers who don’t know their product inside out.
What was your biggest individual sale? An around the world 4 month Cunard cruise, for a couple. USD 120,000.
What’s the 1st thing you do when you get into a hotel room? I check out the washroom – then I check out the bed.
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked? “How long will it take me to drive to Australia?” I’m not kidding.
Do you have any time management strategies? I don’t know how healthy it is, but I check my e-mails throughout the evening at home so I’m not overwhelmed in the morning.
How do you cope with jetlag? Very well – I just force myself to stay up and keep trucking.
What do you do to keep you clients loyal? I keep them laughing. And I follow up with them when they get back, it makes them feel important.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? “Pack 1/2 as much stuff and bring twice as much money.”
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which one would you pick? New Zealand. It’s beautiful. I love the ease of living. Nobody gets worked up about anything.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? I would be an actress. Oh god, yes. I used to be in musicals. But I would have to be famous, not waiting on tables! (Laughs long and loud)
If you or someone you know who is a front line travel agent in Canada would like to be featured in Up Front, please e-mail martha@openjaw .com
