What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
For the first 30 years of my life, I lived in Connecticut and built my career as an advertising executive. After 9/11, I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and make a major change. I moved to South Florida; a place I had always loved visiting for long weekends and quick escapes. Every time I went, I found myself wishing I didn’t have to leave, so eventually I decided to stop visiting and move there!
Soon after, I quickly realized that getting back into my previous advertising career wasn’t going to be as easy as I had anticipated. That unexpected turn led me to a position in hotel sales at a luxury resort in Aventura, Florida, and ultimately opened the door to a career in travel and tourism.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that travel was where I belonged. I was able to take the sales, marketing and relationship-building skills I had developed in and apply them to something much more meaningful: helping people create lifelong memories. What could be better than marketing something that people genuinely look forward to, dream about and remember for years?
I always say that once you start working in travel and hospitality, it’s hard to imagine going back. There is simply nothing like the energy, relationships, experiences and fun that come with being part of the world of travel.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
I had that realization when I planned the first annual global travel advisor conference for 1000 Mile Travel Group. The conference was actually a pop-up assignment that landed on my desk with less than three months to plan, so there was a tremendous amount to accomplish in a very short period of time.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, and seeing the conference come together and hearing such wonderful feedback from our advisors was incredibly rewarding. It also gave me the opportunity to meet our travel advisors from across the country, connect with our business development managers from our Virtuoso travel partners, and experience Hawaii, which had been #1 on my personal bucket list for my entire life.
That experience brought together so many things I love; creating memorable experiences, building relationships, bringing people together and using my marketing and event planning expertise to make something special happen. It was one of those moments when I thought, “This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
I received my CTIE credentials just one month ago, so this is still a very new chapter for me. I am incredibly proud of the achievement and what it represents.
Earning my CTIE has been an important part of my professional development and has strengthened my confidence and reputation as a travel professional. It is also a reminder that even after many years in the industry, there is always more to learn and new ways to grow. The travel industry is always evolving and changing so I find myself learning something new almost every day.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
What I find most gratifying is helping our travel advisors become more successful by connecting them with the right travel partners for their clients. I serve as a liaison between our advisors and our travel partners, and part of my job is to know as much as possible about the incredible travel offerings within our partner portfolio so that our advisors can tap into that expertise.
I love being able to learn what an advisor is looking for, understand their client’s needs and then connect them with the right supplier, destination or travel experience. When I can help an advisor find the perfect fit and ultimately create an incredible experience for their client, that’s incredibly rewarding.
For me, it’s really about creating a chain reaction: I support the advisor and gain an understanding of their needs, the advisor creates an amazing experience for their client, and that client gets to experience something they’ll remember for a lifetime. Being a part of that process is what makes my work so fulfilling.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
One experience that left a lasting impression on me was attending an authentic Hawaiian luau. It wasn’t just about the incredible food and entertainment. What made it so memorable was learning about the traditions, the customary preparation of the meal and the culture and history behind the experience.
More than anything, the Hawaiian people touched my heart. The Hawaiians place a huge emphasis on the importance of treating the earth and people with sacred care. They have such a kind, gentle and welcoming spirit, and I was deeply moved by the meaning and care woven into all their customs. The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of honoring tradition, community and connection. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful travel experiences are the ones that allow you to connect with the culture of a destination rather than simply just visiting a location or destination.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
One lesson that really stood out to me was the importance of listening, not just hearing. It sounds simple, but it made me realize that I sometimes forget to practice active listening because I’m so focused on getting everything done and moving on to the next task.
The CTIE experience reminded me to slow down, listen, and be fully present and engaged in the conversation. In an industry where we are constantly surrounded by smartphones, computers, emails and endless priorities, it can be easy to forget how important it is to give partners and colleagues your full attention.
That lesson has made me more conscious of how I communicate with both our travel advisors, teammates and our travel partners. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is simply stop, listen and really understand what someone is trying to tell you before thinking about what comes next.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
I would tell anyone entering the travel industry that investing in your professional development is incredibly valuable. Take the time to build your skill set, whether that is in sales, management, marketing, destination knowledge or the business of travel.
There’s a lot of competition out there. Having the credentials to demonstrate that you have put in the work and made that investment in yourself can make a real difference in how you are viewed as an industry professional. The Travel Institute is highly respected within our industry, and earning a credential through them is a meaningful way to demonstrate your commitment to your career.
Are there any mentors or peers in the industry who’ve deeply influenced your path?
I have more than one!
Earlier in my hospitality career, I was fortunate to work for some incredible leaders at PGA National Resort & Spa, where I spent nine years as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing. They gave me the creative freedom to develop unique promotional packages; package hotel stays with experiences and events and then market them in ways that drove hotel room sales.
David Fine, who was Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Revenue Development at PGA National Resort & Spa, was a tremendous influence on me. He taught me the art of negotiation and is truly a master salesman and negotiator. I have carried those lessons with me throughout my career, and following in his footsteps has helped me tremendously when negotiating with hotels, resorts and cruise lines while planning group events. I learned from him that successful negotiation isn’t just about getting the best deal. It’s about understanding the value you bring to the table, knowing what is important to both sides and creating a partnership that is a win-win for all parties.
Today, Christy Shafer, SVP and General Manager of 1000 Mile Travel Group, is someone who inspires me every day. She is an incredible leader who genuinely supports the people around her. She creates an environment where you feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions and continuing to grow.
She encourages me to develop my skills and, just as importantly, she values the work that I do for 1000 Mile Travel Group. Having a leader who recognizes your strengths while encouraging you to continue developing is incredibly motivating, and I feel fortunate to have that kind of leadership in my career.
Both of these leaders have influenced me in very different ways. David taught me the power of negotiation, creativity and business development, while Christy continues to inspire me through her leadership, trust and commitment to professional growth. I think the best mentors are the ones whose lessons stay with you and continue to shape how you approach your career long after you’ve worked with them.
