Monday Minute: Lisa Dunne of Treasured Moments 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: Lisa Dunne

Business: Treasured Moments Travel

Where do you live? Haldimand County, just outside of Dunnville, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor?

Almost 18 months. I started my business behind the scenes, preparing things in April 2023, before officially launching and marketing myself in June 2023.

What is your specialty? 

I specialize in all-inclusive vacations, mainly for families (including multigenerational), couples, and girls’ getaways, but I book most types of travel, like cruises and tours.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

When travelling myself, I always spent a great deal of time researching and finding the perfect destination and resort for my family. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed and felt passionate about, so it felt like the right fit and right move to make.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

I was pretty late in the game when it came to personal travel. The only real vacation we ever took as a family was to beautiful Prince Edward Island when my kids were little, to show them where I lived for a few years as a child.

My husband and I never had a honeymoon, but were given the opportunity to travel to Mexico about nine years ago, after 15 years of marriage, and that changed everything! Travel was something I never knew I needed until that trip, and I haven’t looked back since.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I’ve been helping a lot of first-time travellers, which I love because I remember how both scary and exciting my first vacation was. I can guide them through the process so they know what to expect and feel more comfortable.

I’m also seeing many multigenerational trips, which warms my heart because the memories being made will be treasured forever.

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

There are two that come to mind, and for different reasons. One was a custom FIT itinerary I put together for a client’s 40th birthday trip to Greece. It included a flying dress photoshoot and a sunset dinner cruise in Santorini, along with a private balcony dinner and wine tour. It was also my first FIT, which made it special and memorable.

The second was an all-inclusive vacation package for a dear friend who lost her husband last year. She was travelling with her kids for the first time without him. It was an emotional journey for her, so I arranged a spa day to give her some time to unwind. I wanted her to feel comfortable navigating this new experience without him, as he was the one who always planned their family vacations.

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?

My first trip to Mexico was unforgettable, especially because of how friendly and hardworking the Mexican people were. I was touched by how much they appreciated our support of the local economy. One moment that stands out was when my husband gave his maple leaf cap to a ferry worker in Cozumel. The worker’s joy was unforgettable and reminded me that it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference for someone.

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

My goal is to complete my CTC through ACTA. I’d also love to bring on some ICs specializing in other areas so my business can better serve my growing client base. Continuous learning and skill-building are essential, but my ultimate goal is to consistently deliver the high level of service I would expect to receive.

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

Learning how to really dive in and qualify a client. It's important to learn and get to know them to be able to confidently present them with potential vacation ideas. I’ve also learned how to use Travefy. It has been a game changer for me. I love implementing it into everyday workflow.

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

One thing I would change is the misconception that travel agents are unnecessary or outdated in the age of online booking. Many people assume they can find the best deals on their own, but travel agents have insider knowledge, access to exclusive offers, and can tailor trips to specific needs—saving time, sometimes money, and providing support if and when needed.

We work hard for our clients, and spend lots of time building and fostering relationships with our BDMs to be able to provide them with the best possible experience. I think that promoting the value of personalized service and expertise could help shift this perception.

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

Aside from continuous learning and staying up to date with market trends, success comes from retaining clients. Getting new clients is easier than turning them into loyal, repeat clients. Treating clients the way you’d want to be treated and providing exceptional service and guidance will help you build lasting relationships with them, which will, in turn, have your clients raving about you and recommending you to others.

What is your motto?

Treasure moments, not things.

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

To new advisors, I would say put in the work to make sure you know the programs and processes of your host agency well. This is important, because once you are comfortable with those, it will help you develop a strategy to stay organized which is needed in this business, especially when you become busy.

Have confidence in yourself. Your clients are looking to you as the expert for guidance and support and you need be confident in how you are providing that to them. Create and continue to foster relationships with other agents and BDMs – other agents can be valuable if you work together and share your strengths with each other. There is enough business for everyone, what your strength is might not be someone else’s, but what their strength is might be something you are needing help with. Work together, not against each other.

Where are you traveling next?

I was recently named one of the top 100 agents globally for Antigua & Barbuda and will be travelling to Antigua in December to attend the prestigious Black Pineapple Awards Gala! After that, I’ll be sailing on Icon of the Seas in February.

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