Monday Minute: Desiree Bejar Hoyle of Westshore Travel Centre

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

Name: Desiree Bejar Hoyle

Name of business: Westshore Travel Centre

Where do you live? Langford, British Columbia

How long have you been a travel advisor?

I’ve been in the travel industry for more than 20 years and, honestly, I still get excited every time someone books a trip. I started my career in Peru managing travel operations and making sure tours and experiences ran smoothly behind the scenes. Eventually, I realized my favourite part was working directly with travellers and helping them turn “one day” trips into real-life memories.

What is your specialty?

I always say I don’t just sell trips, I sell experiences. I specialize in luxury travel, ocean and river cruises, curated tours and custom itineraries that feel effortless from start to finish. Whether it’s a romantic honeymoon, a bucket-list adventure or a multi-generational family getaway, I love putting all the pieces together so my clients can simply enjoy the journey.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

My love of travel, food, culture and discovering new places completely inspired me. There’s something magical about experiencing a destination for the first time, and I love helping my clients feel that same excitement. Seeing people come back from a trip with unforgettable memories is honestly the best part of my job.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

Travel has always been part of my life. My parents loved exploring, so I grew up travelling around Peru from the time I was two years old. My first solo adventure was to Chile at 16, and that trip gave me a huge sense of independence and confidence. It also confirmed one thing: I was definitely meant to travel.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

People are travelling with more intention now. Clients are prioritizing meaningful experiences, comfort and once-in-a-lifetime destinations over simply finding the cheapest option. River cruises are booming, luxury travel continues to grow, and destinations like Antarctica, Patagonia and the Galápagos are high on many wish lists. I’m also seeing more families travelling together and creating memories across generations, which I absolutely love.

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

One of my favourites was a completely customized honeymoon in Peru. The couple wanted adventure, culture, amazing food, beach time and luxury all in one trip, so we created the perfect balance. They surfed in Máncora, explored beautiful cities, enjoyed incredible gastronomy and experienced Peru in a way that truly reflected who they were as a couple. They came back absolutely in love with the experience.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

Attending the semifinal and final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was unforgettable. The energy was unbelievable. But one of the most meaningful trips for me was visiting Machu Picchu for the first time. There’s a powerful energy there that’s hard to describe. Add adventures like rafting on the Urubamba River and ziplining through the Sacred Valley, and it became one of those trips I’ll never stop talking about.

Where do you see your business one year from now?

I want to continue growing while keeping a very personal, boutique-style approach. My goal is for clients to feel like they have someone in their corner who truly understands their travel style and takes care of every detail. I want to keep creating incredible, high-value experiences that people remember forever.

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

I’ve been diving into content creation and social media, which has actually been really fun. I love sharing travel inspiration, tips and experiences in a more creative way, and connecting with travellers beyond just booking trips.

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

I wish more people realized how valuable travel advisors really are. We don’t just “book trips.” We save people time, reduce stress, solve problems before they happen and elevate the entire experience. Having the right advisor can completely change the way you travel.

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

Listening. Really listening to what clients want to feel during their trip, not just where they want to go. The details matter, and building trust matters even more.

What is your motto?

Travel fills your heart with happiness and creates unforgettable memories.

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

Never stop learning, and never underestimate the power of genuine relationships. The more knowledge, care and passion you bring to your clients, the more unforgettable the experience becomes.

Where are you travelling next?

I’m always dreaming about my next adventure, but Europe is definitely calling my name. There’s always somewhere new to discover, and I love exploring destinations that I can later share with my clients.

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