Posted 30 November 2017
Norfolk-based Travel Counsellor Jan Palmer, won the Best Newcomer Award (Leisure Travel) at our renowned black-tie ceremony which was held at Manchester Central Convention Complex.
Since making the life-changing decision to leave her previous job to become self-employed in October last year, Jan’s business has gone from strength to strength, achieving over £750,000 in sales in the last 12 months. Having worked for a leading tailor-made tour operator for 10 years, specialising in luxury long-haul travel, she hit the ground running and quickly became one of our top performing ‘Gold’ Travel Counsellors; a goal many of our franchisees strive to achieve.
She tells us how it felt to recognised for her achievements and her life as a Travel Counsellor…
Congratulations on being named as Best Newcomer 2017; what did it mean to you to be recognised on our global stage?
Thank you, to be recognised in this way was a real honour for me, especially as I am so proud to be part of such an incredible organisation anyway.
The awards ceremony took place at our star-studded, Arabian Nights themed Gala Dinner, attended by over 1,700 delegates
Can you tell us a little bit about your life before Travel Counsellors?
I have had the travelling bug since an early age and was already living abroad at 20 and from then on never stopped going from country to country, hence a career in travel was simply a natural progression for me. I’ve worked within the industry in many different capacities, previously in hotel work, tourist services and as a tour guide, then in the last twenty years for a variety of travel agencies. So, I’ve had a good all-round education in travel and the time was just right to set up on my own.
You’ve been with us for just over a year now and your business is do fantastically well, and you made Gold within 10 months of joining; what do you think has been the key to your success so far?
My priority is always to get to know my clients as well as I can and to have their best interests at heart. Research and attention to detail are also key elements to building up trust, all of which all leads to regular clients and repeat business!
Over 70% of your bookings are packaged using our in-house booking system, how important is Phenix to your business and why?
I like to be creative in the way that I work, and I think that distinguishes what I do from other agencies do and makes the itineraries I produce unique. Online packages, particularly those made with DMC’s, are tailormade specifically for each client and their particular interests. They also allow you to be in control of every element which allows for excellent customer service every step of the way.
You've worked in travel for many years, how does being a Travel Counsellor compare?
One of the reasons for leaving my last job was that I felt my hands were tied and I could no longer offer the kind of service I wanted to. The other main one was because my life was dictated by work and I felt under pressure the whole time. I am now free on both fronts, to both look after my clients and live my life the way I want to.
Following on from the theme of Conference, what does a ‘Future Without Limits’ look like for you?
It means I can continue to be in control of my life, in whichever way I decide as time goes on with the emphasis on quality not quantity – quality of work and quality of life. I always hoped to live on a small farm in the sun somewhere and I know that this is now a reality for me and no longer a dream – and now the job can also come with me!
Watch the highlights of the whole weekend to get a glimpse of what you could be part of...