“Becoming a Travel Counsellor means the world to me. “

Getruida Stephanus joins Travel Counsellors with a wealth of experience in travel. Now based in Upington, she originally hails from Namibia, and is excited about her future as a Travel Counsellor. Let's get to know her.

What is your background and where did you work before becoming a Travel Counsellor?

I have been in the travel industry for over 20 years and started in the hospitality industry. Five years as a Travel, Sales, and Marketing Consultant followed, and before I joined Travel Counsellors in 2023, I ran a successful travel company for 15 years, focusing mainly on corporate travel. Even though I'm a corporate specialist, I enjoy arranging memorable holidays for my leisure clients too.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am Namibian by birth and a proud mother of a 4-year-old daughter. Hailing from Vaalgras, a village in Namibia's llKaras Region, located 80 kilometres northeast of Keetmanshoop. I'm the last born in a family of 9 siblings. Being highly affected by the pandemic, my daughter and I relocated to South Africa last year and we are based in Upington, Northern Cape Province. In October 2023, I joined Travel Counsellors, to be able to continue doing what I love and have passion for serving my clients with the best service they deserve and it's even better with TC's phenomenal back-up and support. In my free time, I love spending quality time with my daughter, cooking, hosting family and friends. I like reading, networking, and investing time in self-development and self-care. I haven't been travelling as much as I would've wanted to but have been fortunate to travel within Namibia and will be able to give valuable tips and advice to anyone wishing to visit Namibia.

What does becoming a Travel Counsellor mean for you?

Becoming a Travel Counsellor means the world to me. The phenomenal back-up and support will allow me to focus on what I do best, serving my customers. Being a Travel Counsellor will allow me a better work-life balance, spend more time with my family, travel the world and still be able to make money at the same time. As I am working from home, I can be available at a time that suits my clients and be available 24/7 for emergencies, meaning no matter where they are, I will always be able to support my clients.

What motivated you to start your own travel business?

To have better work-Life balance and be able to travel the world. Not limit myself of my earnings and be able to meet my goals.

What are you looking forward to most about being a Travel Counsellor?

The phenomenal back-up and support and being part of Travel Counsellors community/family. Working from home but, at the same time, not being alone, and most importantly continuing doing what I love and have passion for - serving my customers. The platform and opportunity to learn and grow each day, and that no two days are the same. I'm really looking forward to, and very excited about my new journey being a Travel Counsellor.

Have you set yourself any goals or milestones for what you want to achieve in your first year?

Build a strong client base, make endless earnings, and create a better life for myself and my daughter. Become a Gold TC, buy property and travel the world.

Have you started planning how you will grow your business/find new customers, and if so how?

I plan to launch my business with family and friends, and grow it through referrals, networking, and marketing through social media. I also plan to host a mini launch event before the year ends and join community and social clubs. Every possible way I can get Travel Counsellors and my name out there.

What do you love most about working in the travel industry?

Building and nurturing relationships, networking, getting to know different people and their cultures each day, learning and growing each day, helping people to plan and book their dream holidays, and the opportunity to travel and see the world.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I enjoy experiencing new environments and cultures. There are so many beautiful countries to visit around the world and each country has something unique to offer. In each country, there are many beautiful places to see and traditions to learn, however, the counties I have always wanted to visit are France and Italy. It's so difficult to decide as I have a bucket list of more than 10 countries I wish to travel to soon.