Role: Travel Executive
Company: Oasis Travel
Track Record:
What does your job entail?
It’s tempting to sum it up and say, very simply, that I sell holidays. That’s true of course but it’s only part of the picture.
My job is about helping people to find the holiday that’s right for them, whether that’s a bargain weekend deal or a totally bespoke round-the-world trip of a lifetime… or something in between.
Most of our business is done face to face in the office, but we also deal with telephone and email enquiries; in every case it’s vital that we really listen to what our customers so that we can provide exactly the right product and service.
We all work as a team to share our expertise in different areas of the world and use that to help people find their perfect location for a holiday.
Is it 9-5?
Usually, but we also open on Saturday mornings for appointment-based clients, people who maybe can’t get away from work to relax into a holiday conversation or who want to take a bit of time to discuss an ultra-special vacation, possibly for a honeymoon or anniversary or a special birthday.
As well as the usual working week I do quite a bit of as travelling myself – but it’s usually to conferences or business shows to broaden knowledge.
How did you get into this line of work?
I was always the point of contact for my family any time they were planning a trip and wanted flights and hotel bookings coordinated.
Once I realised I had a flair for travel, I decided I had found my calling.
Outline your career to date?
I started in travel back in 2006 as a trainee with one of the big name national travel agencies.
Once I qualified as a fully fledged travel agent, I decided to spread my wings and I switched to the company’s overseas department, spending four years overseas, working my way up through the ranks from a resort rep, to a resort manager.
I spent seasons in Spain, Bulgaria and India and was resort manager in Fuerteventura for a time – all great fun and a continuous learning experience.
When I returned to Belfast in 2011, I was delighted to secure an opportunity to work with Oasis Travel, Northern Ireland’s leading independent agent.
It was a great move for me and I feel I have developed even further in my expertise.
The opportunities for training and first hand experience, both essential in my job, are excellent.
Cruises are a big speciality area for Oasis. I am the first Partners First Ambassador for Norwegian Cruise Line, a UK-wide honour which I received as a result of my work and knowledge in this area.
Tell us about your qualifications/training.
After I left school I took a gap year and opted to go straight into the world of work, getting my profession training while I worked rather than at uni.
I gained so much knowledge through a great range of training programmes, but it is tough to stay focused on how you want your career to develop so this may not be the best route for everyone.
For me, I grabbed every possible opportunity to learn and to deepen my experience and being on the job gave me the chance to put that knowledge to work and to fine tune the different skills.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
I believe an approachable and outgoing nature is required for my job, but you have to be a good listener too.
I’d like to think that any new client walking through the door at Oasis for the first time will feel comfortable just as soon as they sit down to chat with me.
If someone IS prepared to trust me with their business – large or small – then I want them to have confidence that they have chosen the right person to do business with.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
Competition is as tough as it is pervasive, whether it’s from the internet or from other companies all vying for the same business.
In the current economic climate there is – understandably – a huge emphasis on price but that isn’t always helpful to the client for there can be a huge difference between buying on a headline price and actually getting value for money.
For us value for money is about providing insight as well as information. That means we have to be at the top of our own game, providing the sort of detail and advice that they couldn’t easily gather from other sources and, of course, buying through a travel agency, brings reassurance that your holiday investment is protected.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a very keen rugby fan, and play for Malone Rugby Club – and most Friday nights you will find me cheering on Ulster at Ravenhill. My fiancée, Jenny, is learning to be a rugby fan but sometimes we like to just chill out at home as well.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I am named after Elvis. My parents are hard-hitting Elvis fans and Elvis had a twin brother, who died at birth, called Aaron.
Elvis was then given the middle name Aaron and that’s how I got my name. Thank you ‘vur vur’ much …
Who has inspired you most in your life?
My dad. He doesn’t know it, but I aspire to be just like him. A hard working man who always put his family first, and someone who is always there when you need him.
He’s not a very outspoken man, but any advice he’s ever given me over the years has been solid.