Monday Minute: Vision Travel's Vinny DeSousa

The 'Monday Minute' is a 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: Vinny DeSousa

Company: New Wave Travel

Location: 1075 Bay St., Toronto

Years of travel agent experience: 35

Speciality: Luxury FIT

What do you love most about being a travel agent? I enjoy filling my clients bucket list items, and hearing about what a fabulous experience they had. And most importantly what they took away from their custom designed journeys. 

What's one travel trend you've noticed as of late? Most of my clients are now starting to request more exotic destinations such as Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia. They want to experience the culture and emerge themselves in culture and history. This type of travel planning is exciting to put together. 

Over the years, how have you had to adapt to changes taking place in the industry?  I have had to deal with some clients going online and purchasing packages with non-service advisors. I have had to explain the client that I am there from day one when we discuss their needs/wants and from the minute they return. This is service that you do not receive online. 

Of all the bookings you’ve made, which itinerary and/or travel package are you most proud of? One of my long time VIP client came to me with no idea where/what he wanted to do. He left his travel in my hands! I put together “If I do say so myself,” an amazing itinerary using our Virtuoso Suppliers A&K along with Southern World. A taste of New Zealand along with the wonders of Southeast Asia. The rating that the gave this itinerary was off the charts! They experienced cultures that they had not explored in prior trips. 

What's your number one piece of advice to other travel agents?  You must love what you do and make sure to experience these destination that you want to send your clients to. Reach out to your BDMs/sales representatives and make sure your clients’ needs/wants are met. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!