Irene Loh's Career As A Travel Consultant
Worldly Wise
Although Irene Loh graduated with a Diploma in Building, she realized that her first job in construction wasn’t her cup of tea. She said, ‘I’ve always been interested in travel, so I decided to follow my heart.’
Training For Travel
The IATA (International Air Transport Association) and UFTAA (United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations) Diploma, are but some qualifications that you need to obtain. Without such training and certification, you can’t get into the ticketing industry. For instance, you need to know a country’s three-letter code to make a flight reservation.
Job Talk
‘On a typical day, I answer phone calls the minute I step into the office. I could be assisting with flight bookings or answering enquiries. I also help make hotel reservations and apply for visas. When clients give us a tight travel itinerary, they usually expect us to revert within the same day. They are cost-conscious, don’t want long transit times and want best flight connections at best price.’
Good Service Is Everything
‘Good service is the only reason why your customer will come back to you. Otherwise, there is always your competition or the Internet that can help them. You must be knowledgeable on fare promotions, your products and be vigilant with booking deadlines. If an airline seat is cancelled, it can be difficult to secure another during year-end peak periods. ’
Be Upfront
‘If you cannot deliver, say so even if it upsets. Don’t promise something that cannot be delivered at the last minute. If you tell the truth from the start, you can help customers find alternatives, which they may very well accept.
Well Done Jobs Are Well Appreciated
‘Sometimes, customers keep changing their date of travel because meetings abroad are cancelled or postponed. Just go with the flow, update change accordingly and don’t get frazzled. Your customers will appreciate your effort.
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