Reflecting on 2020: Desire to Travel Is Much Stronger than Any Virus

As 2020 comes to an end, TMR invited a number of travel advisors and suppliers from all over the world to pen their own letter to the industry, reflecting on the year that was and looking to 2021. The first one came from Elaine Pepper of YYZ Travel Group, a Virtuoso affiliate from Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. 

When the news of a shutdown was announced in March, most of us in travel industry were in shock.

However, we were optimistic that it will not last long. After all, we survived the  Gulf war, 9/11, SARS, N1H1, MERs, financial market crash, volcano explosions, just to list a few over my 47 years career in the  travel industry.

The next few months to follow were busier than ever- bringing clients back home, canceling trips, rescheduling, canceling again, spending endless hours on hold for suppliers, begging for favors to provide refunds. Keeping on top of all the changes announced by the hour and of course at all times consulting and servicing clients.

By the summer time, my scheduled somewhat relaxed. However, on a daily basis I am in touch with clients and their desire to travel once we are able to do so safely is a great motivation for me.

Being a Master CLIA advisor, cruises are my passion. I have been taking relevant training on a weekly basis and have been assisting our agents with any cruise related questions in our office.

I have been blocking space for groups and successfully selling these cabins to my clients. My biggest group so far is already up to 51 cabins sold. I give myself credit for making a lemonade from lemons in this ever-changing environment.

What I am most proud of is building and maintaining good relationships with my clients, industry partners and my colleagues.

After all these years and all these challenges, I am still passionate to be a travel advisor and still love this industry. I am very optimistic that not only we will survive, but that we will thrive.

Human desire to travel, explore and connect is much stronger than any virus.