Mother-daughter owner and communications coordinator of First Choice Travel & Cruise in Wisconsin
How many years have you been in the industry ? Gayle : I started in 1989 — so more than 30 years . Gesica : If you count wearing sailor suits at boat shows , same … otherwise , since 2010 .
Tell me how you got started , and why you wanted to work in travel . Gayle : I went on a cruise and totally loved it , then went to travel school with my husband . I worked as an independent contractor and then opened my own agency . But I was just so passionate from the beginning . Gesica : When I was a child , I saw my mother working so hard , sometimes until midnight , so I didn ’ t initially think this is what I would do even though I love seeing the world . But then I went on an inaugural cruise with my mom and an agent pulled me aside and said , “ One day I hope I can be as successful as your mother .” That really got my attention . And I still go to my mom for guidance .
More and more women are now filling leadership positions in the travel industry . What do you make of this change ? Gayle : When I started , it was an old boy ’ s club and I wasn ’ t allowed in . I think that ’ s why I have learned to share opportunities with the people I work with ; I want them to have those experiences and to be able to learn .
What wisdom can you offer to other women in travel ? Gesica : I love networking with other women , and we do a lot of sharing and supporting of each other rather than thinking of each other as competition . My mom has taught me that there ’ s more than enough business to go around .
Do you have any predictions for the future of travel ? Gayle : I think that everyone who had to cancel travel will be extremely keen to reschedule plans as soon as possible . We are already booking everyone with credits and vouchers for new dates and keeping in touch with the rest .
And I think , after seeing the value of a travel agent when something so unexpected happens , people are going to be even more loyal to our services . Gesica : Well , we predicted they were going to come out with some sort of card to show proof of vaccination in order to travel . People will need the assistance of a travel advisor to guide them on the continuing changes of entry requirements and to assist with the unknown . Travel insurance sales will spike . Masks , hygiene methods and social distancing are just going to be the new normal .
Where are you traveling next ? Gayle : Gesica , my youngest daughter and I were lucky enough to travel to Tahiti to celebrate her 40th birthday . It was an amazing trip of a lifetime and the three of us loved our time together in paradise ! Next on our horizon is a family and friends cruise in Hawaii this June ! Gesica : In November we were supposed to take a cruise around the Tahitian islands , unfortunately the cruise was canceled , so we stayed in a beautiful overwater bungalow on two different islands ( Moorea and Bora Bora ). Next on our agenda is an NCL cruise to Hawaii . I am praying that this will still happen ! Some of our team has been traveling to Mexico and Punta Cana to see firsthand how resorts are operating . I might take a mini trip myself just to be able to relay my personal experiences to clients .
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