Monday Minute: Tracy Fiala of Vision Travel

The Monday Minute is a weekly feature in PAX that highlights the movers, shakers, leaders and rule breakers in Canada's travel advisor community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com!

Name: Tracy Fiala

Business: Vision Travel

Where do you live? Calgary, AB

How long have you been a travel advisor? 32 Years

What is your specialty? 

Adventure travel – custom Itineraries, small group and small ship expeditions

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?  

My desire to experience the world.

What’s the first trip you ever took? 

My first real adventure trip was trekking in Nepal in 1992. 

What is your current state of mind? 

Happy and overjoyed that travel is making a comeback now that world has opened up and people are out there travelling.

What travel trends are you seeing these days? 

In the last six months I have booked a lot of Europe (Italy and Iceland) and Turkey. Lots of people are asking about (and booking) Business or Premium Economy (whereas before they would have just went with regular Economy). People are also booking farther ahead than before.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business? 

Clients want to “treat themselves” after not travelling for two, three years. I have to keep remembering that clients do not want the cheapest trip – they want upgraded options and both flight and land arrangements.  I’ve learned to not hold off on anything as space is very, very limited. Flights are filling up and so are cruises. We need so much more lead time when booking.

Of all the bookings you’ve made, which itinerary are you most proud of?  

There have been so many over the years. It’s very hard to pinpoint.  I’ve done a lot of unique Africa bookings (that I am very envious of). I’ve also planned some year-long, around-the-world trips for families.

Where do you see your business one year from now? 

This year I can see it continuing to get busier and busier as those who have not travelled for a few years get going. But then it will level off.

What’s one thing you would change about the travel industry?  

Hire more staff for industry suppliers – airlines, hotels, tour companies and wholesalers. Well-trained staff will make being a travel agent these days so much easier.

What is your motto?  

For the last few years, it has been: Dream Today, Travel Tomorrow. When you are ready to travel again, I am here for you. 

What is your number one piece of advice to other travel advisors? 

Advice for now and the next six months: don’t lose patience, hang in there. Things are slow with tour operators with long hold times and many flight changes.  It will take a while, but things will get back to a new normal as the travel world restructures and rebuilds.

Where are you travelling next? 

Australia – Gold Coast.

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