Q: What excites you the most about taking on the ownership of Grafton Travel?
A: Working as partners gives Corey and I a chance to show our leadership styles and to collaborate together building on the already successful business that Grafton Travel is.
I have great respect for Corey. He has always considered me a valuable employee due to the custom that I bring to the business. We are friends and I’m excited to work with him in the only travel agency operating in Grafton.
Q: You’ve been described as a “Grafton girl” and have been with GT for 13 years. How do you think your local knowledge and longevity at GT will help in running and expanding the business?
A: I’m certainly born and bred in Grafton! I’m proud of the life I’ve built with my husband, who incidentally is called GT (Glenn). We have been together 25 years and 13 of those years have been with my other GT, Grafton Travel.
I’m passionate about our community and was honoured with being crowned the 2001 Jacaranda Princess during the town’s famous floral festival (incidentally, the Jacaranda Festival is celebrating its 90th year in 2024). That’s what longevity and community spirit nurtures.
I am fortunate to know many people who trust me to create amazing holidays for them and their families. Relationships are the key to success. It is so important to listen, to communicate, to acknowledge people and to do everything possible for your client.
I’m grateful to have families who repeatedly seek my help for all of their travel needs. Repeat clients know they are treated well at Grafton Travel while new clients will be welcomed and nurtured as well.
Bringing innovative ideas and being able to implement changes where necessary will ensure that Grafton Travel is on the cutting edge of the industry.
Q: The agency has been part of the local area for more than 75 years. Do you feel any added pressure now as owner to continue that legacy?
A: Absolutely! Grafton Travel is an institution which is well respected among the locals. Glenn and I hope to justify our partnership with Corey by keeping traditions and legacy alive.
I’m lucky to have been a part of the great team that came before me and are with us today. Geoff, Ian, Sue, Lauren, Lois, Linda, Alex, Monica, Kylie and of course Corey who has been at the helm for 17 years, have built Grafton Travel to be what it is today.
The pressure of living up to the legacy forged by exceptional travel consultants like the above is palpable.
Q: What have you learned from Corey that you will use at GT?
A: Corey has knowledge that he has generously passed on, showing his genuine confidence in my ability to work with him and to share the partnership with him.
He is patient, meticulous and professional. These are qualities that I have gathered also from the various positions I’ve held in my working life. We complement each other well.
Q: What are your thoughts on how the travel industry looks at the moment as we continue to move away from the dark days of COVID?
A: People always want to travel. Clients have gradually gained confidence in making headway into the world of travel after COVID and our business was able to sustain itself.
We were fortunate that our shop remained open for domestic needs as the restrictions began to lift and Grafton Travel is booming again.
We have many loyal clients and lots of new travellers. Constant sales means back to back appointments on a daily basis so we are very busy.
Q: So is there one particular segment of the travel business that’s booming for you at the moment and what are the hot destinations right now?
A: Many of my clients are keen on cruising as it offers the whole package for families and couples alike. Glenn, our two children and I enjoyed a return trip cruise to Airlie Beach during the recent school holidays.
This cruise offered rest, play and entertainment, as well as lovely accommodation and delicious meals. What more would you want? In fact, we are proving that cruising is the way to holiday by taking a cruise to celebrate our staff Christmas party this year.
Japan has also been a requested destination and very popular for all ages.
Europe River cruises are always a highlight and the USA and Canada are attracting many clients to these fabulous destinations.
Q: Finally, what is it about working in the travel industry that you love so much?
A: Holidays excite me! Creating tailored trips for individuals is a passion of mine. I’ve planned many exceptional trips for my family which gives me credence in helping others to do the same.
The world is such a beautiful place and we all should see as much of it as we can.
