Embracing a Lifelong Passion for Travel

What were you doing prior to becoming a TC?

I worked for the Australian Business Council Dubai, and I currently sit on the Board of the Council. Prior to coming to the UAE, I spent almost 20 years with Qantas, so travelling is well and truly a lifelong passion.

What attracted you to TC?

I liked the combination of structure and support given by an established brand like Travel Counsellors, with operational support, finance, IT and marketing all provided. This allows me the flexibility to build my client base and concentrate on serving my customers, knowing that they have both me and TC in their corner, looking after them at every point in their journey

I had heard about Travel Counsellors through my work with the Australian Business Council and had even used a TC myself. I spoke at length with a friend who was a TC, attended a virtual briefing session and then spoke with Holly, the General Manager of Travel Counsellors in the UAE. There is an application process as Travel Counsellors needs to be a fit both ways, and I was delighted that I was the type of person Travel Counsellors is looking for!

Following this, there is an initial three-week induction programme followed by ongoing learning modules during the course of your first year. There is plenty of support with the office team, monthly one-on-one chats, plus a wonderful community of other TCs who all help one another, like a big work family!

How would you describe the support at TC?

There is a suite of support articles for the technical side of things, plus on-call support for those times when you need something urgently (which can happen in travel). There is a centralised operations department that keeps you informed of potential impacts on your clients who are travelling and, as I mentioned above, other Travel Counsellors are always on hand to help. We also have access to industry webinars, which help build or update our knowledge of different destinations and hotel and leisure brands.

How does it feel to be part of the TC community?

It is a fabulous community! Everyone is passionate about travel, and there is a lot of good energy from like-minded people who love the industry and get satisfaction from helping their clients create magical memories!

What opportunities have you had since becoming a TC?

I have had some incredible opportunities since joining Travel Counsellors. From site visits and industry events, where there are always a few giveaways, to being invited to a Seminar at Sea with Ponant, a luxury expedition cruise line. Like anything, you get out what you put in, and it is always important to keep up with the latest travel trends and developments.

What’s the best thing about being a TC

There are lots of great things about being a TC, but my top three would be creating amazing adventures for clients and hearing all about their experiences when they return. Knowing that I have helped them create those lifelong memories is something that always makes me smile. The people, as a TC, I have been fortunate to meet some lovely people in the industry, from hoteliers to national tourist boards and of course my fellow travel counsellors. Lastly, the freedom and flexibility. I can work wherever my laptop is, and that is incredible. I make my own hours, although I do work hard to make sure what I deliver to my clients is the absolute best experience they could wish for.