Joann McMillan
Travel Specialist-The Travel Agent Next Door, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Where
were you born?
In Wetaskiwin, Alberta.
What
was your first job?
I was an A&W car hop! I wore “hot pants” –
a short short dress with the shorts underneath. Eons ago!
How
long have you been in the business?
Not
really a long time. I was a stay at home mum and when my son got to high school
I studied travel at Grant MacEwan Community College. I worked at Expedia for
three years and have been with TAND a year now.
Tell
me about your first airplane ride.
To Vancouver
with my husband – my fiancé at the time.
I remember the metal in my shoes setting off the metal detectors. But it all worked out - he proposed on that
trip!
How
has the business changed since you got into it?
It’s
been challenging for sure, I see a lot of people booking online and coming to
you when there is a problem! But I love the industry because of the constant
change.
Do
you have a specialty?
Ocean and river cruising, group travel and
escorted tours.
If
you could have any job in the business what would it be?
I’m happy doing what I’m doing. I should have been doing this years
ago!
What
was your best fam?
My Jamaica fam was so much
fun! I met a lot of agents and we still
keep in touch.
Who
do you most admire in the industry?
Dana Gain from NCL. So elegant and professional but also personable
and a great role model.
What
drives you crazy?
When I’ve started the research and approached
the client for the service fee and they decide to book it themselves.
What’s
the first thing you do when you get into a hotel room?
Take pictures!
Do
you have a magic sentence to close the sale?
I let
them know that if they have any questions they can call me or email me. I try
to treat them as if they were a friend who came to me.
What
do you do to keep your clients loyal?
Touch base all the time, Christmas and
birthday cards or a phone call.
What
booking did you really love working on?
I did an Alaska group cruise for 12 and was
able to coordinate their flights, hotels, and special requirements. Escorting the group, meeting with them each
day. That was fun!
If
you had to spend six months in a destination, which one would you pick?
Something with a beach, warm
weather. I’d live in a hut!
If
you or someone you know is a front line travel agent in Canada would like
to be featured in Biting Questions, please
contact us.
