Open Jaw recently chatted with Joanne Thachuk, President of Travel Sensations at Royal Bank Plaza in Toronto
Joanne Thachuk
How long have you been in the business? 30 years. I now specialize in luxury cruises and FITs.
What was your first job? At Compass Travel in Mississauga. I walked in and asked if I could work there for free! It was sink or swim – as I was just left on my own. It was the best training I could have had.
How has the business changed since you got into it? The whole technology thing. I remember the days of no computers, manually calculating fares and mileages.
How do you keep up on industry affairs? I read a lot – and my vacations end up being self-imposed fam trips. My poor son has been going on hotel inspections since he was three months old!
If your clients were to describe you what would they say? That I’m passionate about travel, and a little crazy. I dare my clients to do things, and 99% of the time they thank me for it.
What drives you crazy? Not too much these days – (laughs) I’m into The Secret. I guess it would be people who don’t take travel agents as professionals.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? Front line selling – I love it.
If you could sit next to anyone in the world on the long flight who would it be? Tom Hanks – he doesn’t seem to take his celebrity seriously. He’s kinda cute, too!
Any time management strategies?I return calls right away – you never know how urgent it is.
What do you see as the up and coming leisure destination? Central America plus Croatia and Montenegro.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? “Everything in moderation.”
If you had to spend six months in a destination what would it be? France or Italy.
What would you like to be doing 10 years from now? Living in Lake Las Vegas and Sun Valley Idaho - and commuting between the two.
If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing? Working with single mothers who need a chance to succeed.
© Open Jaw