Multi-award-winning travel advisor Rose Febo, home-based Personal Travel Manager and founder of Country Club Travel in Brisbane, has mastered the art of working remotely from all corners of the globe. Rose chats with Karryon Luxury about the evolution of her businesses.
Can you tell us about Country Club Travel, and how it differs from your TravelManagers business?
MyTravelManagers business is a solid one that I’ve spent eight years building, and I’m fortunate to have the flexibility with TravelManagers to specialise in my niche market of luxury travel and cruise. As this evolved, I created my Country Club Travel (CCT) niche (during Covid) as an extension of my TravelManagers business, to curate elevated luxury travel and cruise offerings for the discerning traveller wanting a higher calibre, all-inclusive concierge travel service experience.
This was because I could see the future demand for the luxury travel experience post-Covid would be higher than ever and, to be honest, because it’s what I craved – and I was correct. It’s luxury your way. This differs from person to person: from opulence and thread counts to discreet barefoot sanctuaries. It really is individual as you are.
I’ve also just evolved my business further with a coaching-for-results mentorship program that offers exclusive one-on-one coaching for travel industry professionals wanting to elevate their performance and results. I coach and help them with a personalised strategy and the support to help them set and achieve their business and lifestyle goals.
How is your time and/or clientele divided into TravelManagers and Country Club Travel?
This isn’t difficult and is really dictated by my clients’ travel briefs and style. Behind the scenes they both require travel expertise, and I run my business entirely as a Personal Travel Manager, with personalised attention and similar operational processes. However, from a marketing perspective, CCT has a more luxurious vibe and seamless custom journey delivery.
What do you most enjoy about working independently?
I’m lucky to be a home-based, mobile agent, however I have spent more time abroad than at home over the last two years – I’m “the Travelling Personal Travel Manager”. I could only do this with the support of my National Partnership Office (NPO) as the support provided is second to none. They assist with most of my administration, ticketing and other support.
I think I lead the ideal lifestyle with a strategic work-life blend that enables me to travel and work from anywhere in the world (with internet access!). I live and breathe travel – journeying and working globally is my vibe.
How long have you worked in the travel industry, and how did your career in travel begin?
I entered the travel industry in the early 1990s, working across various brands and in various roles. Starting as a newbie, I progressed to management roles, opening new travel businesses and building award-winning teams for almost 10 years.
Can you tell us about some of the awards you have won?
There have been a few and they are each significant and special to me in different ways. The 2022 NTIA award for Most Outstanding Mobile travel advisor was my first major award and represented so much for me. It was a testament to my resilience, hard work and dedication (during the pandemic) to never give up on my dreams.
My father had suddenly passed in early June 2022, and I dedicated this award to him as he, along with my mother and grandparents, taught me about entrepreneurship and business, particularly the value of delivering an elevated customer service and effective, efficient operational systems.
The 2023 CLIA award for Home-based Agent of the Year was bittersweet, as it was one I’d really worked hard to earn. I was nominated in three categories, including Promotion of the Year and Cruise Month Promotion of the Year. Unfortunately, I had to put my self care to work and was unable to attend to receive my award. However, as a finalist the previous year I knew it was worth celebrating later, which I did – onboard a luxury cruise of course!
What sort of services do you most enjoy providing to your clients – and what are some of the most challenging requests you’ve successfully fulfilled?
I love curating elevated luxury itineraries! One of my more challenging requests was a recent journey I created for two ladies to the Nordic countries. Their five-week day-to-day itinerary was complex and included 15 flights, seven countries and needed to deliver their page of bucket-list wishes.
The challenge was that if any one element was interrupted due to any reason the itinerary would have to be rearranged immediately at risk of the domino effect. Fortunately, working as a team with my valued suppliers and clients it all went smoothly and according to plan and received rave reviews.
What do you see as the major trends in luxury cruising?
I see the all-inclusive aspect of this cruise sector becoming the most appealing form of travel for both clients and travel advisors. I believe this sector represents incredible value. It also offers clients a personalised, pampered experience combinable with enriching land itineraries and ever-evolving travel experiences. What’s not to love?
What are some of your favourite cruise destinations and what’s still on your travel wish list, seeing as you have already travelled to so many places?
I simply adore luxury cruising in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, perhaps because that’s my heritage and I always find its rich tapestry so nostalgic and enchanting.
Cruising 31 nights with my two children, Andre and Isabella, from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires was a bucket list family holiday we’ll never forget. From Machu Picchu and Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands and Iguazu Falls, it was truly amazing.
I also love the relaxation and intimacy of a luxury river cruise, having recently enjoyed the vineyard-carpeted Douro and romantic Rhone and Seine Rivers.
My wish list has narrowed down just a little but I’m itching to experience expedition cruising to Antarctica, the Arctic and the Baltics regions.
What advice would you give to someone starting out as a travel advisor today?
Dream big, plan well, budget wisely and execute to the best of your ability. If you want to get results more quickly, work with a results coach or mentor.
For more information, visit travelmanagers.com.au
