Monday Minute: Robert McDowell of Pivot 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: Robert McDowell 

Business: Pivot Travel

Where do you live? Vancouver, B.C.

How long have you been a travel advisor? Five years this September

What is your specialty? FITs, arts and celebration groups

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

The COVID shutdown gave me the time and focus to do it. I have always loved travel and not being able to travel made me look for another way to express that. Before becoming a travel advisor, I was a diplomat based in Thailand, Vietnam and China and later I worked in international development, with projects in South East Asia and Africa. Travel has always been part of my work as I have worked a lot overseas. I loved to travel and take flights every chance I could. This gradually expanded into my personal life too. I recall counting over 200 flights one year. That was the peak – and I enjoyed each one!

What’s the first trip you ever took?

A family trip to Maui. What I remember most about that trip was how much I hated the flight! It was a Northwest Orient 747 from Seattle and I think I threw up the whole way. I’m dating myself: I remember the sound for the movie was through those small plastic hoses that sent the sound to your ears! (did that really happen?)

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

Group celebrations for 50th and 60th milestone birthdays – especially private groups to Morocco, Camino Trail, Peru, Galapagos and villas in Italy.

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

Peru with a group of friends. It exceeded everyone’s expectations. And they are picky! This was a private group of 12, with G Adventures, and none had been to Peru before. It was excellent. G tours have an undeserved reputation and they proved our misconceptions completely wrong. The same group has returned repeatedly with G to tour Morocco and to recently walk the Camino in Spain. G Adventures has made the trips memorable each time.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

The Camino trail last October. On the first day there was a hurricane. We thought we would lose some of the guests, but you could see confidence building and how changed everyone was by the end of the trip.

Where do you see your career one year from now?

I am aiming for my CTC accreditation next and would love to organize an Antarctic group (and join it!)

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

River cruise training. A whole new beast. I love how learning is such an integral part of this industry. While I have yet to take a river cruise, I appreciate that I can learn enough to convey confidently to my clients what they will experience. Of course, experiencing it directly would be best, but being able to access educational opportunities and training to build my knowledge is a great start.

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

More accreditation, which is important in every industry. Especially ours. Travel advisors have to be very clear about their value to clients, and not feel bad that some clients may not be a good fit if they don’t understand what we offer.

I am also troubled by mass market tourism and the damage it inflicts on cities like Venice, Prague, or pristine environments, like the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand or Boracay in the Philippines. When we travel, we should be aware of the impact we are having on the locals and environment. I like to work with suppliers that are fully aware of their impact and address that directly.

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

Working with repeat clients and enjoying what you do.

What is your motto?

Live and learn – that’s why I love this industry! I think humility is an important partner to personal growth, and learning constantly keeps us all humble and strengthens your mind.

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

Just go for it. Follow your passion. Focus on what you love and it will be easy to sell it.

Where are you travelling next?

Tuscany in September and Galapagos in December.

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