Professional Summary: Retail Travel Expertise 💼

I have worked full-time in the Travel Industry for 28 years, beginning in wholesale before making the pivotal decision to enter Retail Travel. This shift proved highly rewarding, and I have since spent 23 years as a dedicated, full-time Travel Agent with Handa Travel Services.

Core Focus & Client Philosophy

My main interest lies in Leisure Travel. Its diverse aspects allow me to consistently find destinations that fulfill my clients' needs, whether they seek exploration, new experiences, or a simple break from a busy schedule.

I prioritize a hassle-free journey, focusing on destinations where mandatory government information can be completed easily online, ensuring clients spend less time navigating unforeseen airport situations and more time enjoying their trip.

Most importantly, my clients matter. I treat every single one with dignity and respect.

Expertise in Special Occasion & Group Travel 🥂🌴

My specializations center on meticulously planning significant life events and managing complex group logistics:

• Special Occasions: Seamless coordination of high-stakes trips, including Family Reunions, Honeymoons, and Anniversaries.
• Social & Interest Groups: Expert management of customized travel for various social and special-interest groups.
• Caribbean Fares: Specialized knowledge in securing competitive Individual and Group Fares for travel to the Caribbean.

Favourite Destinations: Culture and Climate ☀️🏛️

My preferred destinations are defined by a compelling blend of sun, culture, and tradition:

• English Speaking Caribbean Islands: Ideal for planning bright, relaxing sunny vacations.
• London, England: Valued for its rich traditional and cultural lifestyle and historical depth.

Travel Affinities: Global Voyages & Intimate Groups 🚢✨

My professional passion and expertise are rooted in planning sophisticated voyages and curated group experiences across key global regions:

• Cruising Focus: I have a deep affinity for cruising, specifically organizing both Ocean Cruises and more relaxed River Cruises, valuing the latter for its intimate atmosphere compared to large ocean liners.
• Small Group Travel: I specialize in leading and curating journeys for small groups, ensuring a personalized and rich experience.

Destination Expertise: My preferred regions for these organized tours and voyages include:

• South America
• Asia: Japan, China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Core Specialization: Curated Voyages and Exclusive Groups 🚢✨

My expertise is highly focused on sophisticated and exclusive travel arrangements:

• Cruises (Ocean and Waterway): Comprehensive mastery over planning all maritime journeys, from large-scale ocean voyages to intimate river cruises.
• Luxury Small Groups: Dedicated proficiency in managing bespoke, high-end travel for small parties, ensuring personalized service and elevated experiences

Cherished Destinations: Global Affinities ✨

My personal and professional favourites for travel and planning encompass a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty across the globe:

• Indonesia
• Greece
• China
• Italy
• Australia / New Zealand
• Portugal
• Spain
• Southeast Asia (Broad regional affinity)
• The Baltic (The specialized region of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania)

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Key Areas of Specialization ✨

My expertise focuses on designing and managing tailored travel experiences across high-demand sectors:

• All-Inclusive Packages: Expert creation of seamless, value-driven, and comprehensive vacation packages.
• Flexible Independent Travel (FIT) / Customization: Mastery in designing highly personalized, complex, and flexible travel itineraries.
• Luxury Travel: Curating exclusive, high-end journeys with bespoke services and elevated accommodations.
• Family / Couple Vacations: Specialized skill in crafting memorable and perfectly suited itineraries for families and romantic getaways.

Key Destination Affinities ✨

My strong preferences and expertise are focused on these four globally diverse and captivating destinations:

• Fiji (Pacific)
• Madagascar (Africa)
• Thailand (Asia)
• Greece (Europe)

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Personal International Travel Focus 🌍

My passion for international travel is centered on meticulously planning and experiencing diverse forms of leisure and cultural immersion:

• Cruises, Guided Tours, & Packages: Organizing comprehensive group sailings, structured tours, and all-inclusive vacation packages.
• Cultural Exploration: Seeking out destinations rich in history and unique beauty, from the majestic landscapes of Africa to the diverse cultures of Europe and Asia.
• Relaxation & Adventure: Balancing serene beach getaways in the Caribbean with adventurous exploration in regions like South Africa.

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Professional Journey Summary 💼

My career transitioned from teaching in Trinidad and Tobago (Common Entrance Prep) to becoming a dedicated Travel Consultant in Canada.

Despite the challenges of migrating, determination and team support allowed me to grow my expertise at Handa Travel from domestic to complex international travel, specializing in land, flights, groups, weddings, and cruises.

Today, I leverage this extensive background to assist clients with intricate bookings like cruises and groups, finding continuous fun and fulfillment in personalized travel consulting.

Travel Planning Focus: Clients & Destinations

My career is distinguished by successfully managing diverse client types and appreciating the unique character of every destination.

Client Expertise

I specialize in complex logistics for:

Group Cruises and Individual Travellers.

Friends and Family Groups.

Destination Weddings.

Destination Passion 🌍

While all places are cherished, I have a profound connection to:

The Caribbean, specifically my birthplace, Trinidad and Tobago (known for Tobago's Nylon Pool).

The Continent of Africa, valued for its incomparable breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and majestic wildlife.

Profound Travel Affinities: History, Beauty, and Thrill 🌍

My most impactful travel experiences are anchored in destinations that offer a synthesis of unparalleled history and striking beauty:

Africa holds a unique position, delivering an incomparable and deeply thrilling experience through its rich history and breathtaking landscapes.

Europe proved captivating through the distinct allure of Italy, Portugal, and the magnificent Greek Islands.

In the Caribbean, while Jamaica is immensely popular, Curaçao stood out, defined by its vibrant, colourful architecture.

Global Travel Professional: Expertise & Experience 🌍

I am a highly experienced and certified Travel Agent with a strong international background, leveraging firsthand global knowledge to create exceptional itineraries.

Qualifications

Experience: 25+ years in Canada (IATA Certified) and 3+ years in Australia.

Certifications: TICO Certified (since 2009), IATA Certified, and a Certified Sandals / Beaches Specialist.

Education: Certificate (Level 3) in Tourism with Distinction (Sydney, Australia).

Firsthand Expertise

My planning is informed by extensive personal travel, including residing in Sydney, Australia. Key destination knowledge includes:

Oceania: Australia and New Zealand (Auckland, Matamata, Tauranga).

Asia: Sri Lanka (beaches, tea estates) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Caribbean: Deep appreciation for the food, history, and music.

South America: Cultural immersion in Lima, Peru.

Europe: Experiencing Stockholm, Sweden.

This personal insight ensures truly insightful travel advice for every client.

Core Specializations: Bespoke Group & Luxury Travel 💍🚢

My expertise is concentrated on crafting highly specialized, seamless experiences for both groups and discerning travelers:

All-Inclusive Planning: Mastering the design of comprehensive, value-driven, and hassle-free vacation packages.

Wedding Groups: Dedicated skill in managing the intricate logistics for destination weddings and celebratory group travel.

River Cruises: Specialized knowledge in securing bookings and creating culturally immersive journeys along the world's waterways.

Family Vacations: Proficiency in building complex, memorable, and age-appropriate itineraries for families of all sizes.

Luxury Groups: Expertise in arranging exclusive, high-end travel for small groups, ensuring bespoke services and elevated accommodations.

Preferred Destinations of Expertise ✨

My planning proficiency and travel affinities are solidified by a deep understanding of these key international travel markets:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• The Caribbean (Extensive knowledge of various islands)
• Sweden

Core Retail Travel Management Expertise 💼

My experience encompasses all aspects of high-volume retail travel consulting, from client relationship management to complex operational execution:

Personalized Client Service: Provided direct, tailored travel advice and booking services to both walk-in and retail clients.

Comprehensive Sales: Proficiently sold flights, vacation packages, cruises, and travel insurance using GDS systems (Amadeus / Sabre).

Custom Itinerary Design: Created detailed, tailor-made itineraries for leisure and family vacations, consistently meeting client budgetary needs.

Operational Proficiency: Handled end-to-end booking processes, including payment processing, ticket issuance, and travel documentation management.

Relationship Management: Developed a strong base of repeat customers through outstanding service and deep destination expertise.

Retail Operations: Managed front-desk retail operations and efficiently assisted clients both in-person and over the phone.

Promotions and Offers: Successfully promoted and sold seasonal offers, cruise deals, and all-inclusive vacation packages.

Vendor Coordination: Maintained excellent coordination with airlines, hotels, and tour operators for confirmations and special requests.

Issue Resolution: Promptly resolved all booking issues, travel changes, and cancellations to guarantee high client satisfaction.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensured strict adherence to all IATA and TICO regulations.

Specialization Portfolio: Full-Service Travel Expertise ✨

My professional focus encompasses a comprehensive range of travel planning services, ensuring meticulous execution across all client needs:

Air Ticket Procurement: Expert securing and management of domestic and international flight reservations.

Cruises: Comprehensive proficiency in all major cruise lines and global itineraries.

Packages & Guided Tours: Custom-design and booking of all-inclusive vacations and structured, enriching global tours.

Luxury Travel: Creating bespoke, high-end travel experiences with specialized services and exclusive accommodations.

Group Travel: Expert management and logistical planning for all types of large parties and touring groups.

Honeymoons: Curating romantic, personalized, and seamless celebratory trips for newlyweds

Destinations Personally Experienced 🌍

My travel expertise is solidified by firsthand knowledge of diverse, high-demand destinations across four major regions:

Europe 🇪🇺.

I have personally explored major cultural and financial hubs, including:

• London (UK)
• Paris (France)
• Zurich (Switzerland)
• Lisbon (Portugal)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Madrid (Spain)
• Rome (Italy)
• Venice (Italy)

Asia 🌏
My experience covers key destinations and broad regional knowledge:

• Bangkok (Thailand)
• Singapore
• Hanoi (Vietnam)
• All over India (Extensive regional travel)

The Middle East:

• Dubai (UAE)

The Caribbean 🏝️

• Various Caribbean Islands

28 Years of Dedicated Travel Planning ✈️🏨

With 28 years of experience in the travel industry, I have developed a comprehensive skill set focused on creating complete and seamless travel plans for my clients.

My expertise covers a wide range of services, including:

India Travel Specialist: Crafting detailed travel arrangements to India, including flight tickets, customized packages, and all necessary hotel and car bookings.

Global Vacation Packages: Arranging exciting vacation packages to high-demand destinations such as the Caribbean.

International Tours: Organizing intricate and varied tours to Europe and Asia in partnership with diverse travel companies.

Cruise Bookings: Proficiency in securing reservations across various cruise lines and itineraries.

I am dedicated to leveraging this extensive experience to ensure every client's journey is meticulously planned and executed.

Specialized Travel Interests and Services 🏖️🇮🇳

My expertise is shaped by a deep professional interest in several key travel sectors, allowing me to deliver highly specialized planning and booking services:

Family Vacations in the Caribbean: Focus on crafting seamless, memorable, and relaxing family getaways to Caribbean destinations.

Tours in India: Dedicated specialization in organizing comprehensive, culturally rich tours across India.

Group Travel Management: Proficiently handling logistics for both vacation and touring groups, ensuring a coordinated and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Railway Booking: Specialized knowledge in securing complex railway bookings throughout both India and Europe.

All-Inclusive Travel Services: Complete proficiency across all travel needs, including domestic and international ticketing and general itinerary creation.

Favourite Global Destinations ✨

My personal and professional favourites for travel and planning encompass a vibrant mix of culture, history, and relaxation across four continents:

• Jamaica
• Mexico
• London (United Kingdom)
• India
• Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)
• Bangkok (Thailand)

A Distinguished Career: 44 Years of Travel Expertise 🚢✨

I am a seasoned professional and expert Manager with 44 years of distinguished experience in the Travel Industry. My extensive career has been dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys, with a particular specialization in Cruises.

As a Manager, I have a proven history of leading successful teams, consistently ensuring both exceptional client service and a deep, profound destination knowledge among my staff.

My passion remains leveraging this extensive, four-decade background to provide every client with an expertly curated, seamless, and truly spectacular travel experience.

Specialization Portfolio: Curated Travel Experiences ⚓️💍

My expertise is concentrated across high-value and specialized sectors of the travel industry, ensuring deep knowledge and seamless booking in:

Maritime Journeys 🚢

• Cruises: Comprehensive proficiency in ocean voyages, including major lines and global itineraries.
• River Cruises: Specialized knowledge of intimate, culturally rich journeys along the world's major waterways.
• Luxury Cruises: Expertise in high-end, bespoke voyages offering unparalleled service and exclusive access.

Premium Leisure & Events ✨

• Disneyworld: Dedicated knowledge for planning intricate, magical, and memorable family vacations.
• Wedding Destinations: Skill in curating and arranging bespoke travel for destination weddings and honeymoons, focusing on seamless logistics and unique locations.

My preferred destinations for both personal travel and expert planning include a distinctive selection of countries known for their diverse culture, history, and travel opportunities:

• USA (United States of America)
• France
• Italy
• Spain

Cultivating a Legacy: Global Acumen, Rooted in Community ✈️

My professional narrative is one of global expertise meticulously grounded in local commitment. My foundation was established in Manila, Philippines, within the prestigious corridors of American Express. This initial tenure was a crucible for developing world-class proficiency, forged in high-stakes operational environments. I managed complex logistics and intricate international itineraries, supporting key in-plant offices for global bodies such as the WHO, US AID, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), alongside a high-volume Business Travel Office (BTO) 💼.

Since bringing this invaluable acumen to Canada in 1997, I have been a dedicated and enduring member of the Handa Travel team. While my proficiency continues to drive exceptional performance in corporate sales—ensuring efficient, cost-optimized travel management for diverse enterprises—my focus has elegantly evolved. The remarkable growth of the Filipino community in our region has positioned me as a trusted, primary specialist, catering to their unique and cherished travel needs.

From orchestrating seamless family journeys back to the Philippines to curating bespoke international expeditions spanning every continent, my professional ethos is singular: to leverage a quarter-century of global experience to deliver profoundly seamless, memorable, and personalized travel experiences for every client ✨

Curated Expertise Across Global Destinations 🌐

My professional knowledge spans a meticulously cultivated portfolio of high-value and diverse global destinations, ensuring comprehensive and insightful itinerary design for every client.

Asia-Pacific Mastery 🌏

A specialist understanding of key commercial and leisure hubs, including:

• Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region)
• Thailand
• Australia

North & Central America / Caribbean Portfolio 🏝️

In-depth familiarity with major travel corridors and specialized knowledge of exclusive island destinations:

• United States of America (USA)
• Mexico

The Leeward Islands, including dedicated expertise in:

• St. Martin / St. Maarten
• Anguilla
• St. Barths (Saint-Barthélemy)

European & North African Command 🗺️

A broad and profound command of the continent's diverse cultures and logistical pathways:

• Most of Europe: Offering a deep and expansive understanding that encompasses both major destinations and lesser-known countries.
• The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.
• Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, etc.
• Morocco (North Africa

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The Philippines, my country, and Europe.