Arlene Gibbons
Where were you born? In a small place called Come by Chance, about 2 hours drive from here (St. John's).
What was your 1st job? Working at Tim Hortons when I was a travel student.
How long have you been in the business? Since 1989 – 25 years now!
Tell me about your 1st airplane ride. A trip from St. John’s to Toronto, on my own, to visit my sister and for a summer job. I purchased a standby ticket for $100.
How has the business changed since you got into it? We have a lot of the same people, as we are passionate about it. But the online world. It’s been great for our side but a bit of a challenge to show that we can be better than a computer.
Do you have a specialty? I’m a Sandals specialist and sell a lot of sun destinations in general. Newfoundlanders love cruises, the Caribbean, Florida - big time.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? I actually like what I’m doing!
What was your best FAM? 4 years ago I went to Greece and it was totally awesome. Seeing the sunset in Santorini wearing my Mama Mia t-shirt with a glass of wine was unforgettable!
What drives you crazy? Trying to follow up on referrals and spending the time and never knowing if they went to someone else. It’s so different in today’s world with technology rather than personal contact.
What was your biggest individual sale? A $22,000 river cruise to Europe.
What’s the 1st thing you do when you get into a hotel room? Go into the washroom, check the towels. Check the corners. (laughs)
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? I just tell people I’m here for them and that everything will go as planned. That I want to do a good job because I want them to come back and book with me again.
Do you have any time management strategies? Prioritizing. I like to have my emails answered and phone calls returned by 11.00 a.m. so I know where I am for the day.
How do you cope with jetlag? I drink lots of water, get up and stretch, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? Follow up, telling them that I appreciate their business. A thank you goes a long way. I call them when they return, I don’t hide behind email.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? “Take it one day at a time. Every day is a new day.”
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which one would you pick? I’d love to go to Bora Bora- all those lovely pictures in the ads.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? (laughs) Sitting on a beach in Jamaica with my Margaritaville stand behind me.
If you’d or someone you know who is a front line travel agent in Canada would like to be featured in Up Front, please email martha@gk.openjaw.xyz
