Open Jaw recently chatted with Shari Parker, CTC, travel counselor at Carlson Wagonlit in London, ON
Shari Parker
How long have you been in the business? Since 1979.
What was your first job? At Wolder Travel in Strathroy, Ontario. I was on my own a lot, working six days a week, open to close!
How has the business changed since you got into it? We used to spend all day on the phone, using the Reservac system. And of course manual accounting. I sure don’t miss that!
Do you have a specialty? I am a Disney specialist. I’ve only been a couple of times but because I sell so much of it I know a lot about it. And my clients tell me all about their trips.
If your clients were to describe you what would they say? When they’re planning a holiday with me I’m so excited for them, they get excited.
What do you see as the up and coming vacation destination? Asia seems to be opening up – we have a group going to Viet Nam, Cambodia and Thailand in January.
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination what would it be? I’d love to see Australia.
Where did you go on your last vacation? Just came back from MBJ Couples Swept Away – I didn’t want to come home!
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? I do a lot of little extras for them to differentiate myself from the internet - things like dining reservations for my Disney clients.
If you could be anyone in the industry, who would it be? Vanessa Lee. I haven’t had a lot of cruising experience but I sell it a lot and would love to have taken the number of cruises she has!
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