Monday Minute: Sandra Lombardi of Luv To Travel Inc.

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: Sandra Lombardi

Name of business: Luv To Travel Inc.

Where do you live? Ontario

How long have you been a travel advisor?

I have worked in the travel industry for more than 40 years. During that time, I’ve worn many hats and continually adapted to the changing travel landscape.

What is your specialty?

My approach is simple: I don’t limit myself to any one market. Instead, I respond to my clients’ interests and inquiries, making every trip as unique as they are.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

My inspiration came from friends who were travelling without me. Hearing about their experiences made me want to explore the world myself, so I decided to get into the industry. I still haven’t quite seen it all yet!

What’s the first trip you ever took?

My first adventure took me to Cuba during my time at AlbaTours. We set off at 6 a.m. and returned home by 11 p.m., fitting in site inspections and a beautiful Cuban dinner. I remember thinking, “Wow, we went to Cuba for the day!” It’s an experience that still comes up in conversation often.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I’m seeing a surge in European travel, with Italy, Portugal, Greece and Spain at the top of the list. Aruba also remains one of the most popular destinations for our agency.

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

One of my proudest bookings was a 28-day journey through New Zealand, covering the country from north to south. It was my first time selling New Zealand, and the itinerary involved so much detail that I had to do quite a bit of research. Working with a supplier, we came up with a wonderful itinerary. One of the most rewarding parts was booking an albatross tour, which turned out to be the biggest highlight for my client.

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

My most memorable trip was a multigenerational family vacation to Italy with my sister, nieces, nephews and my children. I put together an amazing itinerary that we all thoroughly enjoyed. A particular highlight was watching my son get to drive a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.

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

My goal is to increase the number of independent contractors working under our umbrella. We are also developing a new website to help drive business and make travel planning more seamless for our clients.

I’m eager to explore how AI can improve our efficiency, allowing us to work smarter, not harder.

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

I’ve become more comfortable using our back-end accounting system.

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

There isn’t just one thing! If I could make changes to the travel industry, I would improve systems to give travel advisors greater autonomy. I’d also like to see call centres staffed with knowledgeable, helpful representatives who can resolve issues efficiently, without endless holds or escalations. Better commissions and fairer pricing would also be welcome changes.

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

The secret to my success is the personalized service I provide. It keeps my clients coming back and leads to referrals.

Recently, a client was stuck in Rome because an eruption of Mount Etna prevented them from flying to Catania. I advised them to speak with the airline about overnight accommodation and contacted their hotel in Catania to explain that they would miss the first night of their stay. This was all happening at 5 a.m. my time, and the client was beyond grateful.

What is your motto?

Mind your business!

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

Focus on your clients and provide the best possible service to keep them coming back. It’s also important to maintain strong relationships with suppliers.

Where are you travelling next?

Sorrento, Italy.

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