TRAVEL AGENT PROFILE: CLAIRE BRANSON, TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
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Experienced Travel Counsellor Claire Branson explains the benefits of being part of the Travel Counsellors network – clients appreciate the service, technology and financial protection, she says.
Profile
Name: Claire Branson
Title: Travel Counsellor
Industry experience: 34 years managing my father’s high street travel agency, Golden Hind Travel and almost four years with Travel Counsellors.
What do you like most about working in travel? I am very passionate about working in travel as every day is different and exciting. I wake up with a smile on my face and look forward to what each day brings as I never know who is going to get in touch with me and most importantly what hotel around the world is going to get in touch to say they have offered a courtesy room upgrade or any complimentary extras to make their holiday extra special. I do always advise my clients. I cannot guarantee every one of my emails will work but it is always worth a try as if you don’t ask you don’t get. I love making clients’ dreams a reality as I do appreciate they save up all year and this is the most special event of the year so it is up to me to offer 150% service every time so they get the best holiday experience possible.
What do you like the least about working in travel? Some people will say it’s the long hours they like least, but selling travel is my hobby, so it doesn’t seem like work. What I don’t like is when a tour company cancels flights or hotels or changes the hotel due to overbooking and. The political unrest in the world is also a worry and the weather too – I have had lots of cancellations over the years due to this.
Claire and Travel Counsellors
Why did you decide to join Travel Counsellors? I decided to join Travel Counsellors due to the fact my father was retiring and as we had so many wonderful clients, we didn’t want to lose touch with them. So when we closed Golden Hind Travel I brought all of my forward bookings with me and most of my clients have stayed with me. Some were anxious but now they are used to the way I work they like the fact everything is so quick with the technology being what it is. They also like the way I know them so well I can find the perfect holiday for them. Most of my clients are aged 50+ like me and they trust me to look after them.
What are the benefits of working for the company?
The technology and support are fantastic. We now have a MY TC mobile app that displays travel arrangements, which is particularly good for my business clients. Head office has kept pace with technology trends, which is wonderful. We have a fantastic in-house quote and book booking system so I can compete with the online agents and access some really good deals. Travel Counsellors has won many awards over the years and I feel it is by far the best travel company to work for. There is also a 24-hour duty office, which monitors global weather, travel advisories and more – anything that might impact our clients. It helps us to look after them. With many companies going into liquidation over the years, we can protect our clients and find an alternative
holiday for them. The financial protection Travel Counsellors offers was one of the main reasons I joined – the company is not only covered by ABTA, but there is a Travel Counsellor trust fund too, so my clients are very well covered and have peace of mind.
What makes Travel Counsellors the right travel industry role for you?
I feel proud to be working for the leading homeworking company and enjoy every single day. I prefer being a Travel Counsellor than being involved with the day-to-day running of a travel agency. I can now concentrate on my clients’ needs so they recommend me to their friends and family. Much of my business is repeat clients or recommendations.
Trend Watch
What booking trends are you noticing right now?
Clients are no longer comfortable booking online due to unrest in the world and some travel companies going into liquidation. They prefer to book with someone like me who will give them peace of mind. I am getting clients I have lost in the past come back to me after they experienced problems booking direct and online.
What factors are driving demand for certain destinations and motivation for travel?
Spain is very busy as thousands of holidaymakers who were due to go to Egypt, Tunisia and parts of Turkey are all changing their plans to visit safer destinations. The tour companies are not purchasing so many holidays either; they are playing it safe so they are not left with unsold holidays.
How has Brexit impacted bookings?
With Brexit impacting exchange rates, more clients are choosing all-inclusive holidays so they can budget before they go. The cruise market is performing well because cruises offer good value for money too.
What travel trends do you predict for 2017?
In 2017 many clients are travelling further afield to the Caribbean as the prices are good. I believe my business will grow through recommendations. I do not need to advertise because Facebook and LinkedIn have generated lots of business for me.
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