Destination Webinars Founder & Stress-Free Webinar Host, Charlie Trevena, finds everyone in the travel industry inspiring.
“From agents and suppliers to the trade media, technology and other support businesses, if you have hung in there and made it this far I think you are AMAZING,” Charlie confessed.
She also says the more we work together and test things out, the quicker we will make progress.
“My door (Zoom) is always open for a chat, for feedback, for new ideas. If you’re sitting on an idea, take the first small step to bring it to life and go from there. I’m a big fan of throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. Just do it.”
Travel Monitor caught up for a chat with Charlie in this week’s Talking Travel, and this is what she had to say.
What does your job involve?
Webinars, webinars and more webinars… 😊
I facilitate and host training updates with destinations and travel suppliers to help keep travel agents/advisors up to speed and get ready for the new era of travel. A lot goes on behind-the-scenes both before and after a live session. It’s a pretty big process from building registration pages to advertising, test sessions, going live, recordings and follow up.
I run ongoing series in partnership with Destination Canada, VisitBritain and Hong Kong Tourism Board, as well as one-off sessions, bespoke series and the signature BYO Coffee Cluster Series. BYO Coffee Clusters feature three different suppliers each week and I’m excited to be launching the next series this Thursday 21 October! (PS you can register here)
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
I started hosting webinars over 10 years ago, waaay before Covid made it the new norm, and have always seen it as such a great tool to keep the industry connected and get the latest updates direct from the source. The idea for Destination Webinars was born in 2017, but my second daughter was born in 2018 so I parked the idea to revisit once I had some brainspace back.
At the onset of Covid I lost my contract work which provided a ‘now or never’ moment to bring Destination Webinars to life at a time when it turned out to be most useful. It has certainly kept me busy, and in a way I’ve missed the downtime by launching a business. But I am grateful that I managed to create myself a role amongst all the chaos and it’s been enormously fulfilling helping suppliers and agents stay connected throughout this difficult time.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
There are a few things I absolutely LOVE about what I do:
- Webinars are FUN! Well they should be if they aren’t.
- I love getting to know reps/BDMs/sales managers when we work together on a webinar.
- I love hearing from and chatting to agents, I think they are amazing and I hope they value their worth into the future.
- I love learning about all these amazing destinations and products. My bucket list has grown a LOT since hosting all these webinars!
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
We’ll see how things go as more F2F events start to come back again. If everyone starts getting webinared-out or getting over seeing my face I might have to come up with some new ideas! Even so, I think webinars are here to stay as a tool in the toolbox and can’t be beaten on cost and reach when you can talk to agents from WA to NZ in the same session. Outside of that, I face the same challenges as any other small business owner (and parent), managing limited budgets and resources, and keeping things moving without burning myself out. The next phase is bringing in some help so I can try out some new ideas and work on other projects.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
I’m confident everyone is about to become very busy (in a good way) and there is a lot of talk of staff and skills shortages since businesses have been running on skeleton or no staff. Working effectively and prioritising and attracting the best value clients and products for your business, coupled with service fees (for which I am a huge supporter) is a good way forward. This will look different for everyone and there is no one-size-fits-all approach so each business needs their own plan, objectives, ideal clients etc.
What do you think will be the biggest game-changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
Travel! Travel in 2022 will be back but it will be different. It will be complicated by rules, tests, documents, and messy in terms of queues, changes and new procedures. The more the industry can collaborate, share knowledge and stay connected, means staying one step ahead and managing client expectations better, and trying to anticipate their needs before they know they need them. The industry needs to generate as much value, calm, respect and gratitude in advance as possible.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
From all the updates I’ve hosted recently, the kinds of things being discussed are:
- reconnecting with nature and wellness
- extended stays in fewer locations (destination immersion)
- private groups and extended family travel
- bucket list adventures
- upgrades to celebrate getting back out there as well as having more personal space
- sustainable and eco-friendly travel
- just getting out of here for a complete change of culture, scenery, and food
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
It’s a really positive trend that many wholesalers and tour operators have taken a lead in awareness and education about travelling responsibly for the planet, wildlife and local communities. I’m an outdoors person at heart and feel that responsibility through everyday life, business and travel; leaving the smallest footprint possible, minimising packaging and plastic, eating locally sourced food (and wine) wherever I am. My business is 100% online from home (and on the road hopefully soon) so I don’t use or print anything unless I really need to, it’s all digital.
Who inspires you most and why?
Everyone in the travel industry! From agents and suppliers to the trade media, technology and other support businesses, if you have hung in there and made it this far I think you are AMAZING. I’m optimistic that good things are coming your way and you wholeheartedly deserve it. Just make sure to be as prepared as best you can. You’ve got this.
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
With kids: snacks, pencil case, sticker books, Epi-Pens (my eldest has a peanut allergy)
Without kids: eye mask, ear plugs, cosy socks, book, running shoes (I love to run, it’s the best way to clear my mind, do a recce and shake off the jetlag – bring on the jetlag!)
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I haven’t seen my parents in the UK for nearly 2 years and miss them dearly. Next year is their Golden wedding anniversary and I would love to do something special with them – maybe a rail journey or a river cruise? Next on the list is a family ski holiday to Canada, you can’t beat Canadian hospitality and snow – oh how I’ve missed the snow and can’t wait to get out for a ski again.
Contact Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au
