The secret to success

Later this year Gail Crawford will celebrate 20 years as owner and director of Sun Seekers Travel, From her base in Carluke, in the heart of the Lanarkshire countryside, she talks about the past, the present and some strange requests inbetween.

“When I joined Cross Travel at the age of 16 as a YTS I could hardly have imagined that I would eventually be celebrating two decades in charge of my own business. I was grateful of the opportunity and my confidence developed as I gained experience. From early on I knew my career path would be in the travel industry.

“To achieve my ultimate goal of running my own business I took on every challenge placed in front of me by my former employers, who trusted my potential. Alongside this was the loyalty I received from valued clients. These votes of confidence gave me the motivation to invest in my own business: Sun

Seekers Travel.”

Can't brat the high street

“Being a member of The Global Travel Group, a consortium for independent agents, has helped me achieve my long-term objectives for my company, particularly with the rise of online retail.

“It would be crazy of me as a travel professional to dismiss the perceived benefits that are promoted by online travel agencies. Nevertheless, I truly feel that travel agents on the high street offer a wealth of expertise, skills and know-how that our online friends just cannot match.

“We are not affiliated to any tour operator, therefore we guide and advise solely to ensure that, from initial consultation to conclusion, we turn our clients’ dreams into reality.”

The Weird and wonderful

“Having been in business for over two decades, you can imagine that I have had some unusual holiday requests. The one that sticks out most was a pair of honeymooners who asked me to book a swingers hotel. I nearly fell off my chair!

“I always look forward to our clients’ feedback. It means so much when they share their holiday memories – that way we know that not only did we provide a professional service, but a personalised service; their passport to successful travel.”

Being part of a consortium has helped me achieve

my goals

sunseekerstravel.co.uk