TIPTO's new agent Ambassador
Karen Hopkins, a homeworker for Holiday elite, tells Jessica Pook what prompted her to apply for TiPTO's agent ambassador Programme and what she hopes to achieve in her new role.
"Gaining an understanding of the different tour operators out there and what they do can be overwhelming when you’re starting out as a homeworker, especially when you've had no previous retail experience. Without store visits from suppliers you're often left to your own devices and that's why events like TIPTO's roadshows are crucial in my opinion.
What is TIPTO?
"TIPTO is a membership group of leading tour operators supporting independent UK travel agents. As a homeworker you’ve got to go out and make those connections. What's great about TIPTO's Face 2 Face events is that you have access to a range of suppliers, from worldwide touring to attraction tickets, all under one roof. The speed-dating sessions offer the opportunity to network and build contacts. I always come away with a better understanding of the supplier and the range of product they offer. For example, I didn’t know that Shearings had their own hotels, I’ve always associated them with coaching holidays. I was also surprised to learn that Trafalgar Travel has three levels of touring depending on the client's budget.
"Agents also have access to various offers and incentives on the TIPTO Facebook page, which we can use on our own social media. Without this option I’d have to 'like' so many supplier Facebook pages in order to keep up to date with event information, offers and incentives - but this is a onestop-shop for members.
"I'm hoping that by becoming a TIPTO Ambassador I can act as a voice for homeworkers and share product knowledge with those who are unable to attend the events. I'll also be attending TIPTO’s general meetings and play a part in influencing everything from the set up and delivery of roadshow events and training sessions, through to the incentives offered by members."
I hope I can be a voice for homeworkers
Carving a niche
"I'm finding touring especially popular this year and have had a few enquiries for escorted tours in India and the Canadian Rockies. Also, people are looking for multicentres and cruise-and-stays are proving popular, with combinations including Iceland and New York or Miami and Barbados.
"I'm hoping to expand my Sikh wedding portfolio. Thanks to my Indian heritage I've been able to tap into this niche and have an advantage in that I'm already well versed in the traditions and customs associated with these three-day-long celebrations. As you can imagine, this is not something many other agents specialise in as they require a lot of time and patience. I organise everything from start to finish including the legal side, finding priests, advising on travel prior to the wedding, researching hotels that provide the right ceremony and suggesting destinations that people wouldn’t ordinarily think of.
"I really enjoy these projects as it's a big part of my culture and I'm proud to be able to represent my heritage within the travel industry.
What's your career highlight so far?
"For me, it's all worth while when we get some recognition. Since we don’t often get that face-to-face communication with suppliers, it's lovely when we get a message of thanks or a token of gratitude.
"The highlight of my career has to be when I won a Sandals Star Award for
Top Destination Wedding Travel Agency nationally a few years ago. I was also shortlisted in the Jamaica Travel Specialist Rewards as one of the Top 10 Jamaica Agents in 2015. It was amazing to get that personal recognition and gave me such a sense of achievement.
"I sell a lot of holidays to Jamaica so will be reaping the rewards with my own trip to Sandal's Montego Bay resort this month, using some free nights that I've acquired.
"I'm also planning a big bucket-list tour of India for my 50th birthday this year. A big birthday deserves a big trip!"