Monday Minute: Lynda Tomilin of Envoyage

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: Lynda Tomilin

Business: Lynda Tomilin CTC – Envoyage

Where do you live? Cobble Beach in Kemble, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor?

32 years. As soon as I graduated from travel and tourism in 1992, I got a job, and I’ve been in the industry ever since.

What is your specialty?

I sell everything, but lately I’ve specialized in cruises. Both ocean and river. I also specialize in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

I was fortunate and got to travel as a child. I used to go into the travel agency with my mom and was very intrigued and thought it would be a pretty cool job. Funny thing, they hired me as soon as I graduated.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

Big trips would have been to California and to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, but my first big flight was to Hawaii.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

People are taking the big trips, the bucket list trips. Europe long stays, and longer duration cruises. Travelling with family and larger friend groups are popular.

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

Several years ago, a corporate client came in to book a trip to Las Vegas for himself and his wife and business partner and wife. But he ended up booking a Beaches vacation for both families, nine of them in total with their kids. It went from around a $2,000 sale, to about a $40,000 sale.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

So many, but I would have to say my first big cruise. It was a Seminar at Sea and I had to share an inside cabin with a total stranger. But I was able to see past that, and see how fabulous cruising really is. I overcame every single objection I had about ocean cruising. And I am hooked. I also know why it is not ideal to stay in an inside cabin.

Where do you see your business one year from now?

I am looking to expand my team with experienced agents who can bring different specialties and knowledge to the group. And run a very successful travel business.

What’s one new skill you’ve acquired recently?

To block out negativity and to prioritize.

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

Having everyone certified, and keeping this industry alive with true professional agents.

What’s the secret to being successful in this business?

Enjoy what you do! Have a passion for the industry.

What is your motto?

Do what you do because you want to. Not just because you have to!

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

Be professional, attend as many training events as you can. It can be online or in person. Keep up to date with this ever-changing industry.

Where are you travelling next?

Next up is a trip home to B.C. in the summer, but the next big trip is a river cruise down the Rhine in the fall starting in Amsterdam, with stops in Germany, France and Switzerland. 

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