EDITOR ’ S NOTE
About five years ago , I created a vision for a new garden .
It involved clearing out trees , bringing in soil , dividing an endless amount of hostas and lots of help from my family . I remember thinking I just couldn ’ t wait until it was an established garden , but what I didn ’ t realize is the journey would be the most important part .
Over the years , I ’ ve learned how to care for a variety of perennials and annuals each season . The satisfaction came from the experience of building the garden and knowing there ’ s always going to be more to do – similar to my career in the travel industry .
I began working as a travel advisor in 2014 at a local agency . Much like the start of my garden , I was eager to know everything I had to know and have an established clientele .
However , those early days of my career as an advisor were crucial to my journey . I soaked up knowledge from the veteran advisors I was surrounded by and fell more in love with the job each day . I soon realized there are no two days the same in the life of a travel advisor , and that ’ s what keeps it exciting .
Having graduated with an English degree , I always felt a tug towards journalism and soon found myself transitioning to the media side of the industry . I took with me all the experience I gained during my years working as an agent .
Five years later , I ’ m introducing myself to you here , as managing editor of The Compass .
I have a passion for creating valuable content for travel advisors , and I aim to grow meaningful relationships with all types of travel companies in order to share their unique messages with the travel agency community .
When I first stumbled across that travel agent job listing , I must admit I wasn ’ t sure if working with a travel agent “ was still a thing .” I couldn ’ t have been more naïve , because I soon learned that travel agents are not only “ a thing ,” but
Codie Liermann
MANAGING EDITOR CODIE AIMS TO DELIVER VALUABLE CONTENT TO TRAVEL ADVISORS
they are a thriving community .
The travel industry is resilient , and travel advisors are becoming more in demand than they ’ ve ever been . Not only has the industry made it through a rough couple of years , but interest in becoming an advisor is growing . In fact , since the start of 2022 , there has been a steady increase in monthly advisor registrations on VAX .
This is the first issue of The Compass I ’ ve been able to work on , and there is a lot to look forward to . You ’ ll hear about all things romance , from adults-only cruise experiences to romantic customs around the world and even opportunities for adult fun at theme parks . There ’ s also an important article on planning safe and inclusive getaways . In between the romance , you ’ ll find a variety of tips for growing your business .
My mission will always be to advocate for the travel agent community , and I look forward to all the ways I can do so at The Compass .
I have a passion for creating valuable content for travel advisors , and I aim to grow meaningful relationships with all types of travel companies in order to share their unique messages with the travel agency community .
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