FOUR-SIGHT
25
Our columnists
I'd never send anyone somewhere I would not go to myself I ALWAYS try to steer my clients away from the large resorts as there is nothing worse than an early morning 'stampede' for sunbeds or crammed beaches. When my clients go on holiday, it is to enjoy some quality family time, relax and experience some local culture, therefore my philosophy has always been to never send anyone to a resort, hotel or destination I would not go to myself. Outside the large hotels you can find wonderful family-run guest houses and local restaurants waiting to welcome tourists with open arms. And nothing beats the atmosphere of a Greek taverna with fresh wholesome food, and knowing you are helping their business to thrive. Meanwhile, I've been busy with my latest venture, Travel Training for Success, a training day for homeworkers and independent agents. These educational days are a great opportunity for agents to get together and hear from key trade partners about what they have to offer. At the event each partner has time to talk about their product portfolio, answer any questions and engage with the group. It's all about learning something new in this constantly evolving industry. So far we have welcomed agents from Not Just Travel, The Freedom Travel Group, Independent Travel Experts, Mid Counties Travel Group, Hays Travel Group and Explorer Travel, and I am currently working on some great venues outside of London.
OVERTOURISM has such a negative impact on the travel industry, yet it goes on day after day without much thought to the effect on the locals and the animals that are often associated with popular tourist attractions. For example, the treatment of the poor donkeys on Santorini has got even worse. In summer up to five cruise ships a day bring 1,200 tourists to the island. These tourists pay to ride the donkeys and as a result they are being crippled, with locals resorting to cross-breeding to produce mules so they can carry heavier tourists! However, there are signs that authorities are beginning to fight back. Popular Thai beach Maya Bay, which was made famous by the film The Beach, has been closed until 2020 to allow the eco-system time to recover. There have been protests against cruise ships docking in Venice after a recent collision and now even the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York are limiting some tours. The Taj Mahal has also increased prices and set time limits. I would recommend looking at lowseasontraveller.com, a great tool for those who enjoy travelling out of season. Aside from a holiday in Crete, I've spent much of the last few months organising the annual Yorkshire Travel Ball, which again has attracted over 200 attendees. This year proceeds go towards helping the donkeys mentioned above as well as the Greek Cat Welfare Society, Soi Dog Foundation and Wildlife SOS for Elephants & Dogs. And my thought of the month: 'One thing you can give and still keep is your word’.
We should be promoting low season travel to clients
THE LUXURY SPECIALIST
THE HOME WORKER
Luxury Travel Guru
Sandy's Travel Escapes
Jenny Jackson
Sandy Murray
Jenny at herTravel Training for Success day
Sunset in Crete
er h the ownce it w y d n a S ourite pla of her fav Anfield Bar in Crete,
Next month our columnists talk about: Training and how to keep progressing professionally
sellingtravel.co.uk
Columnists.indd 25
7/22/19 09:22 PM