IN THE OFFICE
29
w i t h U s h m a Va l e r i o - No t J u s t Tra v e l
Consultant becomes travel's radio star
Is sharing caring?
"There's this misconception that luxury travel is reserved for those with a lot of money or for influencers to post on their social media, but people's perception of luxury is changing. Clients will often be open to adding a touch of luxury even to a standard city break. For example, perhaps they like the idea of adding a VIP lounge, a seat upgrade or even a private transfer. That’s what elevates the holiday to make it seamless and luxurious.
why it's so important to meet with suppliers regularly and stay up-to-date with new product and the latest openings."
Feeling the love
DISNEY
Not Just Travel consultant Ushma Valerio proved live on air that luxury 'Instagrammable' travel doesn't mean breaking the bank. "I overheard two Kiss FM presenters talking about a prize draw to win £40,000 and how they would spend the entire sum of money on an overwater villa in the Maldives. I knew that was an outrageous amount of money to pay and found myself calling the station and quoting £4,700 for the trip - meaning the pair could go eight times for the same money! I think an important part of our job is to educate people and reassure them that their dream holiday is achievable, so it was a really good way to open up that conversation, even if they were slightly taken aback."
"Instagram has been a game changer in travel and hugely influences where people go. Consumers will often see a destination or hotel on social media and want to stay there purely on that one post. It’s up to us as travel specialists to accommodate those requests and deliver these high expectations. "It’s no longer good enough to just offer a nice all-inclusive; customers are demanding an exact location and asking what else they get included in the price. There’s a culture of trying to outdo your friends nowadays and experience something that is very different to day-today life. It's great because it gives people a desire to travel, but it also demonstrates
"Bali has been a big seller in 2019; people are realising they don't have to compromise their standards because they're in a different country. I'm also seeing more demand for multi- generation holidays – it's great to be able to help families reconnect. "I love the time just before a client is due to go on holiday. It doesn't matter if I've invested four months on the most amazing safari booking or spent a few hours on a city break, It's just as exciting. I want to hear all about the trip and see all the photos when they get back. It’s so important to me to give that personal, friendly service.” ushmavalerio.notjusttravel.com
HY PHOTOGRAP MATT WILSON
People's perception of luxury is changing
0208 585 4020
The ultimate luxury train travel experiences in India £6759pp
fr
fr
£4999pp
8nts, Maharaja Express
9nts, Palace on Wheels
Travel : 27 Sep, 22 Nov 19, 14 Feb, 3 Mar 20
Travel : 16 Oct, 20 Nov 19, 26 Feb, 15 Apr 20
holidays@travelpack.com
£2599pp
fr
7nts, The Deccan Odyssey
Travel : 9 Sep 19
Package includes flights, accommodation & transfers.
in the office.indd 29
7/22/19 09:24 PM