Monday Minute: Katherine Poon of Fun In Paradise Travel

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: Katherine Poon

Name of business: Fun In Paradise Travel

Where do you live? London, Ontario

How long have you been a travel advisor? A little over 11 years.

What is your specialty? River cruises, FIT travel in Europe and Hawaii and all-inclusive vacations to sun destinations.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

My love of travel started with my first unforgettable trip, when I realized that every destination has a unique story to tell. My extensive travel experience inspired me to help others discover the world in ways that match their interests, budgets and travel styles. Becoming a travel advisor allows me to turn dream vacations into reality.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

A Trafalgar land tour that visited seven European countries in 10 days, including London, Paris, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Seeing the Berlin Wall was the highlight for me.   

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I’m seeing many last-minute planners with unrealistic budgets. On the other hand, I’m fortunate to have clients who plan their vacations at least a year in advance. Clients continue to show interest in river cruises and independent travel in Europe.

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

One that has always stayed with me was a small Tulip Time river cruise group I organized shortly after travel resumed following COVID. An 84-year-old client joined the cruise from Hong Kong. Given her age and some health challenges, I wasn’t sure how she would enjoy the experience.

To my delight, she enjoyed the cruise far more than we had expected. As the trip ended, she said to me: "Thank you for your dedication. This has been the best vacation of my entire life.” Needless to say, I was a little teary-eyed. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

My journey through Vietnam and Cambodia was especially meaningful because it offered the perfect blend of history, culture and authentic local experiences. From cruising the breathtaking waters of Ha Long Bay and exploring Vietnam’s vibrant cities to seeing the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, every destination told a unique story.

What made this trip truly special was connecting with the people, experiencing their warm hospitality and gaining a deeper appreciation for the resilience and rich heritage of both countries. It’s a journey that stays with you long after you return home and one I’m always excited to share with my clients.

Where do you see your business one year from now? What are your future goals?

Over the next year, my goal is to continue growing my business by building lasting relationships with new and returning clients while delivering exceptional, personalized travel experiences. I plan to further develop my expertise in luxury travel, river cruising and immersive independent travel, helping clients discover destinations that are meaningful to them.

Looking ahead, I want my business to be known for thoughtful service, trusted advice and journeys that leave an impression. To me, success isn’t about increasing bookings. It’s about becoming the travel advisor clients confidently recommend to their family and friends.

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

Thinking quickly under pressure.

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

If I could change one thing about the travel industry, it would be to make pricing and policies more transparent. Travellers often find it difficult to navigate changing fares, hidden fees and varying cancellation or change policies, which can make planning stressful.

Greater consistency and transparency would help travellers make informed decisions with confidence while allowing travel advisors to focus on creating exceptional experiences rather than explaining complex terms and conditions.

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

I believe the secret to success in this business is building genuine relationships based on trust, honesty and exceptional service. Travel is deeply personal and every client has unique dreams and expectations.

By listening carefully, paying attention to the details and always putting my clients’ best interests first, I’m able to create experiences that exceed expectations. Success isn’t measured only by bookings. It’s measured by the lasting relationships you build and the referrals that come from clients who know they can count on you.

What is your motto?

Not all clients should be your clients.

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

My number one piece of advice is to always put your clients first. Take the time to truly listen, understand their travel goals and provide honest, thoughtful recommendations. Travel isn’t just about booking a trip. It’s about creating meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

Build trust through exceptional service, continue learning as the industry evolves and never underestimate the value of personal connections. Happy clients become loyal clients and they’re your best ambassadors.

Where are you travelling next?

I will be sailing on AmaWaterways’ Impressions of the Seine & Paris river cruise, with several days spent exploring the iconic sights of Paris and the beautiful seaside town of Dinard before setting sail. It will be the perfect combination of world-class art, history, culture and the relaxed pace of river cruising.

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