Nina and Mercia, Top Travel Counsellors South Africa

At the recent global Travel Counsellors conference in Liverpool, the spotlight shone brightly on Nina Gerdener and Mercia Gerber. This powerhouse team from Bloemfontein was awarded the prestigious Top Travel Counsellor South Africa title, a testament to their dedication, passion, and exceptional client care. Their success story is a powerful example of what you can achieve with the right support and a strong partnership. Business Development Manager at Travel Counsellors South Africa, Marc de Jager, sat down with Nina and Mercia to discuss their incredible journey, what this win means to them, and the secrets behind their thriving business. Their story is not just one of victory, but of the consistent effort and heartfelt connection that transforms a career into a calling.

Marc: Huge congratulations to both of you for being recognised as the top-performing business for South Africa at the Global Conference 2025. How do you feel about being the top business in South Africa?

Nina: We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as top-performing Travel Counsellors for South Africa. This award belongs to our clients, our families, our TC Team, and the rest of the Travel Counsellors community. Being announced as South Africa's Top Travel Counsellors in Liverpool is an honour we share with everyone who has walked the journey with us.

Marc: Mercia, how did it feel walking up on that stage and accepting the award?

Mercia: Wow, Mark, getting up on the stage in front of all our global business partners, it was overwhelming in the best possible way. I felt incredibly proud, not just of our achievement, but of the journey that brought us here. That journey is very special for us. We feel proud and are filled with gratitude and lots of love for what we do. Standing on a stage in Liverpool - oh, come on, it's Beatle World! But standing on that stage is a moment that we will never forget, and it reminded us of how far dedication and teamwork have brought us.

Marc: What is your secret sauce?

Nina: I think our secret is simple: we care deeply, we listen, we understand our clients' needs, and we pour our hearts into creating these experiences for our clients with consistency and passion. Strong relationships. It's the foundation of our success. Then we love what we do. We truly love what we do. Every itinerary, every client, every journey matters to us. When we put passion and authenticity first, everything else follows. And then, as Mercia mentioned, our secret is teamwork. We support each other, we challenge each other, we celebrate together, and success feels better when you share it.

Marc: What advice could you give other Travel Counsellors who want to achieve the same success?

Mercia: Marc, I think for Nina and me, it's not about one big moment. It's the result of showing up consistently, even on the tough days, and focusing on building strong relationships. Stay committed to learning and always deliver more value than expected. I think that's key for us. Provide more value than what they expect. Believe in yourself and trust in the process. Success grows quietly through small moments of dedication, kindness, and genuinely caring about the people you serve. Also, very important for us is to know our craft. Do we really know what's going on in travel? Do we understand travel as it is?
And, it's leaps and bounds. And we must remember that success isn't luck, it's intention. Know why you're doing what you're doing. Deliver your best to every client and remain relentless in your pursuit of excellence. And that makes the magic happen.

The journey of Nina and Mercia is a powerful reminder that success is built on passion, dedication, and strong relationships. Their win as South Africa's Top Travel Counsellors is not just an award; it's a celebration of their unwavering commitment to their clients, to each other, and their TC Team.

Their story shows that with consistency, a genuine love for what you do, and the support of a strong community, you can achieve incredible things. Nina and Mercia's advice to care deeply, stay curious, and always deliver more than expected is a blueprint for anyone looking to transform their passion for travel into a thriving business. Their success is an inspiration, proving that when you put your heart into your work, the rewards are truly unforgettable.