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NTIA18 WINNERS: What makes Renee Nightingale the 'Best Travel Agency Manager'?

Being a manager really ain't no easy task. They need to ensure work is delegated properly, keep an eye out for staff's mental and physical health, meet and exceed budget, motivate people and keep everyone happy.

Being a manager really ain’t no easy task. They need to ensure work is delegated properly, keep an eye out for staff’s mental and physical health, meet and exceed budget, motivate people and keep everyone happy.

There’s at least one person in the industry that’s managed to do all of the above and receive major recognition for it – Renee Nightingale from Helloworld Travel Albury, Wangaratta & Wodonga who was named ‘Best Travel Agency Manager – Retail Multi Location’ at the 2018 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs).

CONGRATULATIONS ???

Haven’t seen the full list of winners yet? Click here.

Renee told KARRYON that she believes part of her success this year comes from being surrounded by amazing teams of consultants who share her love of travel and clients.

She also credits this year’s win to a recent leadership group she implemented, which is used to bounce ideas, grow the business and introduce new development strategies.

Read on for more of what she had to say:

 

What does being recognised by the industry in this way mean to you?

To be recognised Australia wide for doing something that I absolutely love, means everything to me.  It’s not just about me but I share this with my teams, my clients and the industry representatives we deal with on a daily basis. I am so overwhelmed to be recognised in an industry full of such amazing consultants and managers.

 

What are some little or big touches you (and/or the team) make to ensure you leave a positive impression on your clients?

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We like to ensure every client is like a part of our family, we celebrate milestones in their lives- retirements, birthdays, anniversaries- we always have wine for our clients and just adding little personal touches. Knowing about their family and really caring about their travel needs.

 

What are some changes you may have made over the last year that would have contributed to your success this year?

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I implemented a leadership group that I have used to bounce ideas off, this has assisted me in working on and growing the business. We made a big change to our advertising strategy and really increased our radio voice and reach. We celebrated our 10th birthday in Albury and had a special evening for close clients and friends.

 

What would you recommend to others hoping to win this award in future years?

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Show the judges what makes you unique and really showcase this. I tried to make my presentation different by incorporating tools that I use daily. Take the time to really understand the questions and what the judges are looking for so you can put your best self forward. Be positive, confident and enjoy the ride- it’s hard work but when your name is read out as the winner on the night, there is no feeling quite like it.

 

What do you love about the industry?

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That every single day is different- no day is ever the same and some days are very challenging but every day is rewarding. The people I work with make every day a pleasure to come to work with.

 

What do you think the future holds for the travel industry?

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I think the future of the industry is brighter than it has ever been- we are seeing a resurgence of young travellers coming into the agency and as the internet gets more complicated, we are seeing many new clients enter the agency. We can do what the internet can do, expect offer personal touches, professional advice and in most cases, save clients’ money.

 

What’s your advice for people thinking of joining the industry

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Do it- it’s such a rewarding industry to be part of, to work with clients on a range of itineraries, sharing your knowledge and experiences and being able to help people create dreams and memories- it’s so diverse, challenging, no day is ever the same so for me, I know I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else- or doing anything else.

 

READ: Congratulations to all the NTIA winners – find out who they are!

READ: Helloworld Travel Agents head off on an Indian adventure

READ: Helloworld Agents experience South Africa

Join us in congratulating ‘Best Travel Agency Manager’ Renee on a job well done. CONGRATULATIONS.