A total of 27 personal travel managers (PTMs) and representatives from six boutique, small ship and river cruise suppliers came together at Sydney’s Rydges World Square for a day of product training that was described by attendees as an “awesome day”.
(L-R) Julianne Gazal-Rizk, Katia Mora, and Chantel Addison brushed up on their product knowledge and spent a fun day catching up with colleagues at TravelManagers’ boutique, small ship and river cruise training day in Sydney
TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal, says the training days, which are organised by the company’s National Partnership Office (NPO), take place on a regular basis throughout the year.
“We believe very strongly in the benefits that come from providing our PTMs with a steady stream of specialist training, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest information and best business practices,” he explains.
Participating suppliers including Wild Earth Travel, Buffalo Tours and Uniworld were each allocated a 45-minute slot in which to update attendees on their latest product offerings. Lyn Tyson, who is representative for Pymble, NSW, describes the day as “excellent”.
(L-R) Personal travel managers Lyn Tyson, Maria Furnari, Danielle Goncalves, Beverly Burt, Alma Araullo, Sue Kuti and Teresa Reyes hard at work updating their boutique, small ship and river cruising product knowledge
“The number of suppliers and the length of presentation were both spot on,” Tyson continues, adding that she finished the day with an increased awareness of unique cruising opportunities that she is looking forward to sharing with her clients.
Gazal explains that the product training days are organised by TravelManagers’ seven state-based Business Partnership Managers (BPMs), and each training day has a different focus, with plans already under way for USA & Canada, Luxury Ocean Cruises and Groups days.
TravelManagers’ fun and information boutique product, small ship & river cruise training day, held in Sydney: (L-R) Kerrie Baguley, Janice Lee, Diane Craig, Mamita Mishra, Kelly Chapman, Lana Kanchik
“Our BPMs are also responsible for the running of Business Days in all state capitals and a number of regional centres, (which allow attendees to work on the wellbeing and future of their individual businesses), plus an annual state Trivia night and twice-annual State Meetings.”
Gazal adds that the Business Days are run on an informal basis in which the sharing of ideas is encouraged and PTMs bring along best practice examples for sharing, critiquing and refining. Topics range from how to write a blog to building an Instagram following, and tips and tricks for maximising the use of the front/mid office system.
Neil Saunders shares Wild Earth Travel’s latest news in small ship and expedition cruises at a recent TravelManagers training day.
“It’s important that our PTMs are able to get together in a format that not only enhances their product knowledge, which helps them to provide a better service to their clients,” says Gazal, “but also that we nurture the camaraderie and the practice of mutual help and respect that is an important part of TravelManagers’ culture.”
Danielle Goncalves, representative for Erskineville, NSW, agrees that the training day was both informative and enjoyable, and says she is looking forward to the next one.
“It was an absolutely fantastic day: I loved it!”
For more information or to speak to someone confidentially about TravelManagers please contact Suzanne Laister on 1800 019 599.
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