Louis Teng’s success didn’t come easily. Still, the winner of the National Travel Industry Award’s (NTIA) gong for Most Outstanding Travel Consultant Leisure – arguably the most prestigious individual award – has a simple formula for success. The Connelly & Turner Travel Associates travel advisor shares all with Karryon.
Congratulations on the award… to what do you attribute your NTIA win?
Winning this award is truly an honour, and mostly, a motivation to continue doing better work, but I believe several factors contributed to this achievement.
First and foremost, I attribute my win to hard work and dedication. I’ve consistently put in the time and effort to excel in my field, staying committed to continuous improvement. This includes staying updated on industry trends, refining my skills, and always striving for excellence.
Additionally, I owe a great deal to the support of my company, Travel Associates and my colleagues at Connelly & Turner Travel Associates, led by Lisa Connelly. Their support, collaboration, encouragement and shared commitment to success have played a crucial role in achieving this recognition.
“Teamwork and a positive work environment are invaluable assets.”
Furthermore, I believe that a passion for what I do has been a driving force behind my success. When you love what you do, it fuels motivation and creativity, making it easier to overcome challenges and push boundaries.
Lastly, I have been fortunate to have a mentor and role model who have provided guidance and inspiration along the way. Having learned from the best of the best in our industry, Greg Ashmore, from both his successes and challenges, has been instrumental in shaping my approach to my work and always going the extra mile for my clients.
In essence, winning this award is the result of a combination of hard work, collaboration, passion and the support of those around me. I am grateful for the recognition and excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in my field.
How did you find the change of scenery for this year’s NTIAs in Melbourne? What did you love most about the 2023 event?
The shift to Melbourne brought a refreshing and dynamic atmosphere to the event for the 2023 NTIA. The city’s character, combined with the excellent venue choices and the welcoming spirit of the community, made it a standout experience for all attendees.
The venue choices were excellent, providing a stylish and comfortable setting for the NTIA. It allowed for seamless networking opportunities and a great flow of events. The organisers did a commendable job in selecting the locations that complemented the prestige of the awards.
The conversation around travel has mostly moved on from looking back to looking forward… what does the future look like for you?
Looking ahead, the future holds a multitude of exciting possibilities for me both personally and professionally.
I am eager to embrace new challenges, continue learning and further develop my skills, and provide even better service to my clients.
On the professional front, I am committed to pushing the boundaries in my field and staying at the forefront of emerging trends. I am dedicated to continual growth and contributing meaningfully to my industry and all my clients.
I also look forward to furthering collaborations and building meaningful connections with our industry suppliers. Networking and engaging with like-minded professionals have always been essential aspects of my career and I plan to continue fostering these relationships to create opportunities for mutual growth and success.
Most importantly, I know this will benefit my clients and enhance my clients’ travel experiences.
What are you most excited about that’s coming up for yourself or the industry?
I look forward to exploring more destinations in 2024 and bringing the experience and knowledge to my clients.
Planning a holiday is never just about booking a hotel or a plane ticket, but creating long-lasting experiences and memories.
What do you love most about the travel industry?
Travel connects! And, it’s true!
As a travel advisor, I often build long-term relationships with my clients. This personalised connection creates trust and loyalty, as clients return for future travel plans and recommend my services to their friends and family.
Clients come to me to help them turn their travel dreams into reality. Whether it’s a luxury vacation, an adventurous expedition, or a cultural exploration, the travel industry allows me to fulfil my clients’ dream experiences.
That is the best part of my job! Connecting with my clients through travel and fulfilling their travel dreams.
Care to share a fun travel tip that you swear by when exploring new places?
For Antarctica travel… don’t be shy!
Make sure to extend a warm invitation to the onboard naturalists when journeying through Antarctica.
These individuals not only possess a wealth of knowledge, but also bring a delightful sense of fun and humour to your table. They play a pivotal role in making the Antarctic experience even more captivating, enriching your understanding of this extraordinary destination.
Read our wrap of the 2023 NTIAs.
