Monday Minute: Northstar Travel's Patti Dougan

The 'Monday Minute' is a new weekly feature at PAX dedicated to highlighting the movers, shakers, leaders and rule-breakers in Canada's travel agent community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com! 

Name: Patti Dougan

Company: Northstar Travel 

Location: Wellesley, Ontario

How long have you been a travel agent: Five years

What is your speciality? 

I tend to book a lot of groups, mostly to Caribbean destinations.

What do you love most about being a travel agent? 

Making peoples dream vacations come true!

What's one travel trend you've noticed as of late? 

People are celebrating their life milestones with vacations.

Over the years, how have you had to adapt to changes taking place in the industry? 

I have created a business page on social media.  I post photos  when I travel to show the destination I'm in and what it offers. I also keep people updated on places that may have been affected by travel advisories. People like being informed. I attend events and webinars when possible. 

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

Hawaii. I was brand new to the industry and I built a three-island, 15-day family vacation all by myself. It involved lots of research!

What's your number one piece of advice to other travel agents? 

I always try to respond to my clients immediately, even if it is to say that I will get back to them at another time.

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