A 2 minute chat with a winning Canadian travel agent who loves the biz—and it shows.
Open Jaw recently chatted with David Freeman of Totem Travel in Victoria.
David Freeman
How long have you been in the business? 28 years – with Totem the whole time. It’s a family-run agency and I really like working for a smaller organization.
Where did your first airplane ride take you? We emigrated from England by ship in 1963 and my first flight was a trip back in 1968 on CP Air.
How has the business changed since you got into it? 180 degrees, in every way we do business. 28 years ago we sold Fiesta West and Treasure Tours!
Do you have a specialty? I really enjoy sending people to England.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? Bill Harrison’s old job at GIANTS [now Ensemble – Bill headed up the Western Canada operation]. What a life - he was always on cruises. Well-paid, low stress, lots of free time.
If you could sit next to anyone in the world on a long flight who would it be? Richard Branson, because he’s a very clever man and I admire everything he’s done.
What do you see as the up and coming leisure destination? Probably places like Dubai and India.
Do you think the strong dollar is going to have an impact this winter? Yes, I do because I see Christmas and New Years space to Mexico is still available, which means Hawaii has become that much more popular this year.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? “The minute you leave school the time will fly by” - never a truer word was spoken!
What is your favourite vacation destination and why? Cuba – I was very taken by the people, the culture. Fascinating.
Where was your last vacation? A long weekend in Tofino last February. One of my favourite places in the world. And it’s only four hours from here.
What would you like to be doing 10 years from now? Hopefully the same!
© Open Jaw