What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
I grew up in the “Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island” era and always dreamed of cruising the Mexican Rivera or jetting off to some exotic location. In my early 20s, I discovered that there was a dedicated travel school in my city and immediately enrolled. As fate would have it, one of my instructors managed a local travel agency and she was looking for someone to fill an assistant position for two million-dollar agents. I jumped at the opportunity, and a month later I started my, now 25-yr career in the travel industry.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
My first fam to France was when I truly realized I selected the right career. I was on a transfer from the airport to the hotel and the realization of being in Paris unexpectedly brought tears to my eyes. In addition, I had just celebrated my 30th birthday and our fam-sponsored rep had the hotel upgrade me to an amazing suite with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Who could ask for more?
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
Since obtaining my CTC, I have been promoted to a lead administrative position where my duties have expanded to participating in the hiring process, facilitating team meetings, and launching a pilot, group mentoring program.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
Helping someone plan a “bucket list” trip is probably top of my favorite planning requests because you feel the clients’ excitement throughout the planning process and share in their joy when they return and share all the glorious details of their dream vacation.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
Take full advantage of all the educational tools The Travel Institute has to offer, especially the CTA certification, as these certificates allow you to learn the inner workings of the travel industry as well as demonstrate your educational investment in your career.
