PICTURES: Alex Maguire; Shutterstock/Tonktiti
RYAN LAMBTON
The Personal Travel Consultant with Hays Travel tells Ella Sagar how the Cover Stars trip led to a boost in Cyprus bookings
Q. Why did you decide to enter Cover Stars? A. I wouldn’t normally put myself forward for something like this but Jet2holidays is one of my main suppliers, so when I saw the trip was sponsored by them, I thought I’d go for it and see how I got on. Even though I reckoned I would stand a good chance as I was doing so many bookings with them, when I found out I’d got in, I couldn’t believe it. At first I assumed I was only successful because there weren’t many applicants, but then I discovered hundreds of people had applied, so I was buzzing.
Q. How was the
Jet2.com flight from Manchester to Paphos? A. The group had such a laugh right from the start, when we had drinks together at the airport. They were a lovely bunch of people. The main thing I enjoyed about the flight was sitting next to Jacqui [Bowring] and we’ve since become best friends. We speak every day and go on holiday together. Everyone was made to feel special on the flight by the lovely staff, like with all Jet2holidays customers – that’s why I book a lot of holidays with them, because customers love the service. The meals and extra touches that I wouldn’t normally book for myself were amazing as well.
Q. What was the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites hotel like? A. It was so nice. I can see why people return year after year, as they really treat you like you’re part of the family. Aristos [Diomedous, Constantinou Bros general manager] spent time with us and the staff were all lovely – they couldn’t do enough for us. The rooms were very spacious too. In our downtime we had massages and ordered food at the cabanas on the beach, which felt like such a luxury.
Q. What was your highlight of the trip? A. It’s hard to pick one because we did so much. We explored Cyprus not just as tourists but as insiders; we got stuck into the cuisine with mezze feasts, plus the culture and landscapes with trips to ancient ruins and
bridges. We saw the sun set behind Aphrodite Rock from a yacht, which was fantastic. But if I had to pick just one highlight, it would be our visit to the winery where we got involved in pressing grapes. There was also food, drink and dancing afterwards, which encapsulated everything that makes the destination so special.
Q. Have you sold much Cyprus since returning? A. My Cyprus bookings have risen significantly and it’s generated a real buzz with customers. I shared a lot from the trip on my socials with reels and posts, which has directly translated into more enquiries and clients. The trip has given me greater knowledge of Cyprus, allowing me to sell it with personal insight, passion and authenticity, and I think that really shows with customers. You have to experience a destination or product first-hand to be able to sell it confidently. It was actually my first time visiting the country, believe it or not, and I loved it so much I’m going back for a holiday in October.
Q. What was your photoshoot like? A. I was the last person in the group to have my photoshoot done. It was very quick – it felt like it was about 10 minutes long – and I found it very exciting. I was striking all the poses and channelling my inner Madonna the whole time! I loved it. It was near a Unesco World Heritage Site with lots of pillars – totally beautiful, much like the rest of the country.
Q. How was the Cover Stars trip to the Travel Weekly Globes in London in January? A. The night was the cherry on top of the whole experience. It was great to be at an event packed with suppliers and see that side of the industry while enjoying great food, entertainment and company. Rudimental smashed it, but the moment that really stuck with me was hearing Nicola Graham from Reuben’s Retreat speak. She’s incredible and I was genuinely in awe. I ended up donating £1,000 to support the charity. All in all, it was a fab night and such a special way to round off the trip.
RYAN’s career
I started in travel when I was 17, around 20 years ago. I essentially fell into the job. It was at an Airtours call centre in Northfields – somebody I knew there suggested it to me. I’d always wanted to be a
‘trolley dolly’ but didn’t quite make it, so I interviewed for this role instead. It turned out to be the hardest interview of my career – with three hours of scenario-based role-play – but I got the job and loved it, so much so I became a top seller. From there I moved to Broadway Travel and then did corporate business travel for Amex, before taking an eight-year break to do some
travelling of my own and work in other industries. But travel has always had a place in my heart, so I returned to the industry and set up my own business just after Covid. It’s grown bigger than I could ever have imagined and last year I hit £2.5 million in bookings, which makes me a Platinum Personal Travel Consultant. I’m loving it.
The group enjoy Diarizos Valley
IF YOU WANT TO BE ONE OF NEXT YEAR’S COVER STARS, TURN THE PAGE AND ENTER NOW!
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