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My life in travel
Do you remember the first booking you made? It was 1988 and a couple came in wanting to book a last-minute package deal to Greece and I ended up sending them to the Dominican Republic. I couldn’t believe I had sold an all-inclusive to this new place that people were only just starting to visit.
What’s the most memorable booking you’ve ever made? A couple who booked their first holiday abroad to Hawaii in 1988. I remember they said they would come back to me when it was their 25th wedding anniversary – and they did. In 1995, the husband came in and organised a surprise cruise in Hawaii to renew their wedding vows.
Who is your favourite customer?
One couple has booked with me every year for the past 20 years. Last year they booked a round-the-
world trip with me, which was such a pleasure to organise.
What’s the best gift you’ve been given by a customer? I’ve had all the normal gifts, such as chocolates, flowers and wine, which are lovely. I recently got some flowers from a client in Australia, and the couple who booked the round-the-world trip take me out for dinner from time to time.
Amanda Handy Job title:
Senior sales consultant Works for: Midlands Co-op Travel Hobbies: Spending time with my two children, walking and cycling How long in the job: 23 years How long in travel: 23 years – this is my first job! Best thing about your job: Every day is different Worst thing about your job: The discounting people now expect
What’s been the highlight of your career in travel? I was one of six agent finalists in the TTG Travel Awards 2010, which was a real honour. The award ceremony was a glitzy affair at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. It was a fantastic evening.
If you could be a celebrity for a day, who would it be? I don’t necessarily want to be her, but I really admire Kylie Minogue. I think she’s a great ambassador and I
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ttglive.com/ttgknowledge 62 11.03.2011 Amanda’s first booking in 1988 The Dominican Republic:
respect her for the way she handled her cancer with such dignity.
What will you be doing in 10 years’ time?
I hope I’ll still be working in travel. My
children will have grown up by then so hopefully I’ll be working full-time again as I went part-time to take care of them.
If you could do any other job in travel, what would it be? I would love to be a personal travel adviser for one of the wish-granting charities like Starlight, arranging for sick children to meet celebrities or to have a holiday of a lifetime.
What advice would you give to somebody thinking about a career as a travel agent? You have to start at the bottom and listen to what people tell you. If you take all the advice onboard you should be able to work your way up to a managerial position.
■If you are an agent and would like to appear in YourSpace, send us your name, agency name, phone number and a few lines about yourself by email to
klawrey@ttglive.com
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