Evolution Travel Collective National Business Development Manager, Michelle Daniels, has returned to the travel industry after 8 years.
“I can honestly say that this industry is something that lives with you and always drives you to return. We have a wonderful industry that is built with strong, resilient people. The last 3 years have been the biggest test for our industry but we have been rising above these unforeseen issues for generations. The travel industry is a place built by passion and pride and none of us should forget that,” Michelle said.
Find out what else she had to say in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
My role is to support agents, growing their knowledge and understanding of the brands we represent and how these options can benefit their clients. We grow sales in Australia for our brand partners through training, events and meaningful engagements with agents.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
During Covid I decided to take on a role within Healthcare where I could be useful during such a terrible time. I enjoyed feeling part of an essential industry but I now feel like returning to travel is the best time to help the growth and get the industry back to where it used to be, and better!
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Talking travel! Whether I’m talking to the agents about their latest famil, talking to clients directly at an expo, or simply talking to colleagues who have just returned from somewhere amazing, the best part about the travel industry is experiencing the love of travel through travellers’ stories!
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
Returning to face to face meetings and understanding people’s comfort levels with this change. Evolving to be able to connect and build relationships with agents via many different methods like webinars & zoom chats. Its also being patient with the growth of travel, it won’t change overnight, but with support and encouragement, people will explore again.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
The isolation rules are still a major factor in clients feeling hesitant to travel. The fear is that in the week before travel, you will test positive and lose money and your dream vacation. I hope that when this is removed, we will see so many more people enquiring about and booking their long-awaited holidays!
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
Increasing the flight capacity back to pre-covid days will hopefully lower the fares and get people travelling again. I believe the increase in bookings will come in 2023 for large trips in 2024. The old Earlybird will be back!
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
My prediction is that people will spend the next 12 months doing the smaller quick trips while they still cautiously embrace overseas travel again, but as restrictions drop across the world, I believe that people will travel to more exciting destinations! For the last 3 years we have watched documentaries to get our travel fix, now people will be keen to explore more off the tourist path.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
We all have a role to play in being responsible for our wildlife, our environment and our plant! What makes me happy is that over the last 20yrs, we have seen this grow from limited discussion to a huge contributing factor to companies core values. All of the ETC partners have an element of responsible travel built into their core values, which makes me proud to represent them.
Who inspires you most and why?
From the travel industry perspective, I would say that I am currently inspired by all the travel agents and wholesalers that have dug deep, and struggled through the last 3 years but managed to stay passionate and determined to be part of this industry. On a personal level, I am inspired by my Nan, every day she shows and teaches me resilience and strength beyond words. She does not tell people to have to be strong but leads by example!
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
I pack minimal when I travel! My travel adaptor/charger, travel scales (because I always do too much shopping while away) and good comfy walking shoes to explore for hours!
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I would love to take my mum to see ‘Gardens by the Bay’ in Singapore, or I would love to take my children to Europe for a White Christmas!
Contact Email: michelle@evolutiontc.com.au
