Jodie Payne from TravelMangers is in the business of keeping people’s travel dreams alive. She also wanted to do a shout out to the travel industry and say “Hang in there everyone – we got this!”
Find out what else Jodie had to say as we caught up for this week’s Talking Travel.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
I, like most other people in the industry, have had to take on another form of paid employment to ensure I don’t have to walk away from my business. The constant opening and closing of domestic borders has created such uncertainty that I am now booking destinations a lot closer to home ( same state) to best avoid more credits. Thankfully I live in QLD so we have some pretty amazing resorts at hand – upsell! Staying active on social media, and keeping my loyal client’s updated via email and telephone calls to ensure they are aware I am still here for them.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Making someones travel dream come true. Creating memories – especially if it’s a surprise and the excitement of planning – understanding someones “why”.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
Political and weather events – both can happen unexpectedly and can interrupt all best laid plans immediately. Wholesale support – everything from marketing help, rate agreements and afterhours contacts. Commission reductions and implementation of fees.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Trust – so much unwarranted negative publicity during the first year of COVID around agents. The general public understanding fees and why we need to charge them. Travel insurance – what it will cover and the complexity around selling it.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
Vaccinations. Where you can and cannot go with one – and without one!
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
Bucket list travel. Nothing like a 2 year time out to think about where you REALLY wanted to go. I believe people will be a lot more focused on dream destinations – the big-ticket items and be willing to spend more on them.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
Unnatural animal interactions are pretty much a thing of the past. I explain why I would prefer not to pre-book certain tours and let the client decide for themselves if this something they should do. Supporting suppliers who use local guides, give back to the local communities they visit and offer authentic experiences.
Who inspires you most and why?
The TravelManagers family have been (without a word of a lie) the best inspiration ever! Constant support and updates from our Head Office team have given us all the drive and will to keep going. Our internal facebook page has been a safe place to vent, to give a helping hand and encouragement when needed. Seeing how others have changed their focus and quite often combined forces to create new opportunities (such as groups) has been wonderful. Reaching out to other PTM’s who may have more expertise in a local area you now need to sell has been invaluable. Seeing the love and support we all have for each other has just been incredible! We really are a family.
What is your must pack travel item(s)?
For me – my hair straightener. Sad but true. My naturally curly hair is no joke 😊
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
Well – considering both my husband and I are 50 this year, Canada would be my choice for us with our 2 teenage sons. We met there (27 years ago) and have not been back there TOGETHER since.
Contact Email: jodie.payne@travelmanagers.com.au
