A 2 minute chat with a winning Canadian travel agent who loves the biz—and it shows. Open Jaw recently chatted with Dennis Thoy, Sales and Development Consultant specializing in Africa with the Adventure Travel Company in Toronto, a division of Travel CUTS.
Dennis Thoy mugging with new friends in Africa
How long have you been in the business? Six years – including a stint as a “regular” travel agent, selling mainstream vacations such as all-inclusives.
How is this different? This is much more exciting. The destinations we deal with and the style of travel is much more unique. Our clients – many of whom have dreamed of their trip for 20 years - want to experience the country, not just visit it.
How do you keep up on industry affairs? We have lots of functions, shows and specialty publications. And networking. We’re so close knit in the adventure travel sector, it’s like a big family.
So do you get to travel a lot? I’ve been to Africa twice, to Kenya, Tanzania and Egypt.
What’s the biggest misconception about Africa? That it’s a sad continent. But despite the poverty I’ve found everyone so happy and friendly – everyone wants to give you a hug, especially the kids.
Are any of your clients asking about carbon neutral travel? Unfortunately, no.
What drives you crazy? People kicking your seatback on longhaul flight!!!
Any jet lag strategies? Lots of water, and sleep on the flight.
If you had to spend six months in a destination what would it be? Africa, for sure, in the smaller countries I haven’t been to yet.
What is your favourite vacation destination and why? Antarctica. The best trip I ever took. Pristine scenery, unforgettable wildlife.
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? We follow up with postcards when they get back. Because our trips aren’t impulse ones, we start giving clients ideas up to a year in advance.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? That old Latin saying carpe diem – seize the day. Seize every moment when you’re there as you’ll never know when you’ll be back.
What would you like to be doing 10 years from now? This. It’s not for everybody but it’s definitely for me.
© Open Jaw