We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monique Chawora a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Monique thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

The biggest trend in travel I am seeing is that in an era dominated by technology, the new generation of travelers are rediscovering the value of utilizing travel advisors over self booking. Despite the abundance of online resources, travelers are recognizing the irreplaceable expertise and personalized service that we offer as agents. With a desire for unique experiences and insider knowledge, the new generation appreciates the tailored itineraries, exclusive deals, and destination insights that we offer. Beyond the convenience of a few clicks, travelers are craving genuine connections and a seamless, stress free journey. Thus, the resurgence of interest in travel advisors reflects a shift toward more meaningful and curated travel experiences in a world saturated with digital options.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in a military family, my father was in the Air Force. We moved every three years and I think that truly was what planted the travel seed deep in my soul. I had always made travel a personal priority in my life but I didn’t start working with our agency, Go Get It Events & Travel, until 2020.

The perfect time to dive into the industry, right? I had a close friend who had been working for this agency for several years and loved it. The world was going insane around us and I figured, “Hey, I love travel. I think I should do this”. It actually was exactly what I needed. Since the entire industry was shut down due to Covid I was able to learn at a slower pace and really grasp the ins and outs of the job. It gave me the opportunity to connect with and build strong relationships with our team as well as with properties and tour operators around the world via Zoom. So when things finally opened up I was ready to hit the ground running! I have been booking beautiful hotels, villas, incredible experiences and curating once-in-a-lifetime trips for clients ever since.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Maintaining a strong connection with clients is key for travel advisors looking to foster brand loyalty. Regular, personalized communication is essential- whether through email updates, newsletters, or social media engagement- to keep clients informed about destination highlights and industry trends. Also, taking the time to really understand individual preferences and milestones enables us to offer thoughtful gestures such as birthday wishes or anniversary surprises. Providing exceptional customer service throughout the entire travel journey, and promptly addressing any concerns, builds trust and reinforces the value of the advisor/client relationship. By consistently showing a genuine commitment to enhancing their travel experiences, we can cultivate lasting brand loyalty and turn one-time clients into devoted advocates of their services.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Early on in my career as a travel advisor, I clung to the belief that sticking mainly to traditional destinations and itineraries was the safest approach. However, a transformative session came when a client expressed a desire for an off the beaten path adventure. Initially hesitant, I decided to embrace the challenge and curate a truly unique experience. This departure from the norm not only delighted the client but also opened my eyes to the boundless possibilities beyond the usual tourist spots. Embracing the unexpected and stepping out of my comfort zone as an agent became a catalyst for creativity and client satisfaction. Unlearning the notion of a rigid travel paradigm has since allowed me to craft bespoke journeys that surprise and excite, ultimately enriching both my professional growth and travel experiences of those I assist.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://gogetit.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mufambii/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-chawora-045828249/