Bev is pictured at Iguazu Falls during a trip to South America.

15 FEB: Hospitals aren’t usually the places travel agents think of visiting in search of bookings. But Bev Fitzsimons has turned several Melbourne hospitals into a major part of her business.

In a routine which illustrates the true mobility of home-based travel consulting, the TravelManagers representative for Oakleigh South is using her selling and marketing skills to offer a leisure travel service to nurses and other staff at three hospitals.

"It’s difficult for many hospital staff to get to a traditional travel agency during the day", she says.

"They work shifts, they can’t get to a phone and many don’t have internet access".

She realised their business potential after chatting to hospital worker she met at her gym, and subsequently gained approval to run a stall periodically at two hospitals.

For payment of a fee ranging from $35 to $55 a day, she is able to set up shop with a laptop, brochures, flyers and sweets, talking to staff during work breaks about domestic and overseas holiday options.

An initial discussion often leads to home visits.

"People ask if you can come to their home during the evening when their husband or wife can be present", she says.

"That’s great because you can really get to know your clients and be in a better position to close a deal".

Bev began the program last year and has already secured approval to operate stalls on eight days at three hospitals between now and August.

She has built a database of more than 100 clients from this operation alone, and has been able to extend her reach to friends and relatives of hospital staff.

"I’ve actually come across family members of other TravelManagers personal travel managers".

She says she’s making good money from her hospital venture, but there’s more to it than that.

"I really enjoy showing people how the TravelManagers model works - the unique service mobile agents offer in being able to take their business to the client, instead of the other way around.

"It’s more profitable and a lot less stressful than having to wait for clients to walk in the door".