Fresh from her win at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s Cruise Industry Awards, we chat to itravel’s Megan Catterall about her gong, the future, and her rather unusual second office.
You’re the cruise industry’s top Mobile/Home-Based Agent! How does that feel?
I’m absolutely ecstatic and so grateful to CLIA – what a fabulous organisation! And to be nominated by my peers is just the best feeling. So yes, very privileged and honoured.
To what do you attribute your big win?
The CLIA Masters course elevated me – and I just love selling cruise.
I am positive and very proactive with the marketing I have been doing, and the engagement with suppliers and my loyal customers. I stayed positive in all my messages. But also, I truly believe in our industry.
I hosted nine client events and private events with lunches with clients, keeping the cruise message alive and relevant. I also chartered a Vivid cruise last year to get clients out on a boat when lockdowns were all around us.
At no time did I give up – quite the opposite actually, I worked harder.
Why has the home-based model worked so well for you?
It’s been so wonderful. I had no idea it could be this rewarding in every facet – on the creative side and the networking.
My passion has always been travel and I have the best of both worlds being here, working from my great home office. Or I can take my business and be anywhere. At Newport Bowling club, for instance, I am a major sponsor and I can work from there and network whilst I’m working.
People like to see my success and they enjoy being part of it.
The referrals are what I am most excited about [from the awards] and what a wonderful acknowledgement to receive.
What’s it like to be part of a group such as itravel?
This network is so encouraging. It has given me wings that’s for sure. I feel alive and so empowered.
Steve [Labroski, itravel managing director] and his team at itravel are so passionate – and they are real. I feel part of the family and with my fellow itravel colleagues we all bounce off each other. We are all happy for each other’s success and it shows.
What are you most excited about that’s coming up for cruising?
All the new builds – there is such a buzz! There are so many amazing ships and seeing what they are doing and where they are sailing.
Expedition [cruising] is most exciting. That is why consumer events are so special – people get to hear and see the brand and feel part of the journey.
What do you love most about the industry?
We are such a great community. I have been in travel all my working life, so 38 years. It’s like family and the resilience we have shown is like no other. It’s sexy and fun and makes you feel alive – travel is good for the soul!
One thing I know is that cruising is the hottest ticket in town, that’s for sure. And there is so much business out there. We are on a huge trajectory. It’s simply the best! How lucky are we? We should all be celebrating.
Read our big wrap on the CLIA Australasian Cruise Industry Awards.
Visit itravel-au.com for more information.
