Monday Minute: Louie Di Tacchio of Progress Travel

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Name: Louie Di Tacchio

Business: Progress Travel Services Inc.

Where do you live? Whitby, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor? 36 years

What is your specialty?

Italy, as I am Italian and speak the language. I started in the travel industry with a mainly Italian client base.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor? 

My father-in-law inspired me to become a travel advisor as he was originally opened Progress Travel in the late 1960s.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

My first trip ever was to Hawai’i on a high school trip. We spent 10 days in Oahu and toured Pearl Harbour and Diamond Head. It was an amazing experience especially only being 16 years old.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

Clients are booking earlier now as they are aware that the pricing is best, especially with early bird discounts and promotions from suppliers. Popular destinations this year are Portugal, Italy, Punta Cana, Jamaica and Mexico. Cruising has come back with a big bang and it seems to be selling out far in advance.

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

I travelled to Portugal last September and got a glimpse of what it is all about, so I put together a package for one of my loyal clients and another couple. I flew them into Porto and they stayed in a riverside room for four nights. I then I got them on the Flix Bus from Porto to Lisbon where they spent three nights in the Avenida Liberdade area. Then I got them from Lisbon to Faro and they spento one week at the Vilalara Thalassa Resort. I booked them excursions in Porto as well as Lisbon. When my clients returned home, they were very thankful for all that I did in making their travel arrangements.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

A cruise to Alaska with a Vancouver extension. I sailed on the Celebrity Equinox and could not believe how close the ship got to the glaciers and how beautiful they were as well as the excursion we had to go crab fishing and finishing that excursion at a lodge where we had all-you-can-eat crab and beer. I could not believe how beautiful the scenery and wildlife was, especially the bald eagles, bears and owls.

Where do you see your business one year from now?

I think post-COVID, people are looking for experienced travel agents to help them make their vacation dreams a reality, so I see my business growing. My future goals are to travel more and bring back experiences to sell to potential clients.

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

I just learned how to use an itinerary-building tool, which makes my life a lot easier as I am old school and when it comes to technology. I am still learning each and every day.

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

Pricing. Right now, as a travel agent, I feel like a stock broker as the prices fluctuate every minute.

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

The secret to being successful in this business is customer service, being available for your clients, answering questions and making vacations as if they were your own. And product knowledge. The more you learn or experience, the more you can share with your clients.

What is your motto?

When booking your next vacation, why not relieve your stress and leave it up to Progress to help make your vacation dreams a reality

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

To get as much product knowledge as possible.

Where are you travelling next?

Punta Cana is my next trip. I have not been in over 10 years, and since my agency does sell a lot of Punta Cana, it would be nice to see how things have changed over the years.

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