Tour Operators and their job

**PLEASE NOTE I'M TALKING FOR MYSELF**

from JoeUser Forums
As Tour Operators, how are we supposed to advise on travel when we haven’t even been to the destinations we’re selling ?

Most of the travel agents don’t know either, it seems we are a new generation of workers in the travel industry, here in Nouméa. But we, the tour operators are supposed to know better what to offer. I like working with the old school agents, because they know what would suit their clientele. But the newbies, they keep asking questions that we answer like robots. We only tell them what we’ve been told, but we don’t talk from experience. Which could dangerous in the event of a disappointed client: “I thought this was a great hotel and we ended up in a shit hole” or similar.

I just wish my boss kept her promises and organized a field trip very soon. Either to the Gold Coast, because it’s one of the most successful destinations and I’ve only been there once, and I have no idea what the hotels look like, or to New Zealand which is very popular right now for the ski season and because of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I have also never been there either.

It sounds so unprofessional to confess the truth and say “sorry I’m clueless because I have never been there, let me ask my boss”, but I’m forced to, I’m not gonna say yeah sure this hotel is perfect for families if kids aren’t allowed. As much as I can I try to get information from the net so I don’t sound too much like a jerk, but sometimes theres nothing I can do but ask.

I want to know what I’m talking about. I want to experience what I’m selling to others. It’s just another way to becoming a professional :p
travel
5,742 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

They got places that Kids aren't allowed?  WOW.

I hope you get to go on your trip soon.  Every Business has its 'employee discounts' as it were.  With Airlines, it is fly free. Retailers, merchandise at cost, etc.  I guess for Tour Guides, it is getting to sample some great places!

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

Even if your boss doesn't pay...it might be beneficial to use whatever employee perks you can get and go there on your own dime.  Consider it "investing" in your career with traveling bonuses.

Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
DrGuy, yep, it's destinations for honeymooners, or romantic escapes you know.
I hope you get to go on your trip soon. Every Business has its 'employee discounts' as it were. With Airlines, it is fly free. Retailers, merchandise at cost, etc. I guess for Tour Guides, it is getting to sample some great places!

Yes I know what you mean, the thing is our boss doesnt want to let us go, because we're only two employees and I think she wants to keep us for herself.

Tova, you're totally right, I plan on going to New Zealand on my holidays in August. But I dont know if I can deal with the cold, lol! Will see, will see..
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top

Tova, you're totally right, I plan on going to New Zealand on my holidays in August. But I dont know if I can deal with the cold, lol! Will see, will see..

Up is down, and down is up, spake the jabberwocky!  had to remind myself that August is the Winter for the NZ and Aussies.

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Up is down, and down is up, spake the jabberwocky! had to remind myself that August is the Winter for the NZ and Aussies.

Hehe, I know it sounds like we're from a different planet sometimes doesnt it? You forgot they dont drive on the good side of the road too, heh!
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

Hehe, I know it sounds like we're from a different planet sometimes doesnt it? You forgot they dont drive on the good side of the road too, heh!

No, I did not know!  I thought only Merry Olde England was so afflicted!  Thanks for the warning!

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Merry Olde England



Unfortunately no, Australia, New Zealand and even Fidji drive on the left side of the road. Each time I went to Australia I got nearly squashed by traffic coz when I wanted to cross the street I was looking on the bad side of the road!!!
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top

Unfortunately no, Australia, New Zealand and even Fidji drive on the left side of the road. Each time I went to Australia I got nearly squashed by traffic coz when I wanted to cross the street I was looking on the bad side of the road!!!

I hope they have good taxis then!

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Japan also drives on the left side of the road....when I first went there I was driving a stick shift on the column and shifting with my left hand! Then trying to remember I can make left turns on red....it was confusing!
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
Ah, I don't know about the Gold Coast. We Aussies call it BrisVegas because it is garish, trashy and noisy. It is not my idea of a holiday destintaiton. But then, each to his or her own, I guess.

As a tour consultant, I would have thought your boss would be jumping at sending you to some of the places just to get a feel for them so you can sell the packages. It surprises me they don't. Oh well, their loss, I guess.

Doc; if you are planning on coming here, let me know. While you're in my city, you won't have to drive or catch a cab anywhere.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Tova, yes I forgot Japan, I've never been there either but I've heard about it. It surprised me too, dont know where they got this habit from?? lol!

Maso, well you know, New Caledonians LOVE the Gold Coast for shopping and for the theme parks. I've only been there once and I didnt do much cuz I only stayed like 7 days in the event of a field trip with shool and we were staying with families there.
I wish my boss would hear you