Tales From the FrontLines: Maria Drueco, TCB Travel & Tours / Marianatha Tours

TravelPulse Canada is proud to support Travel Advisors around the globe. Our "Tales From The Front Lines" series is designed to give consultants a voice during the COVID crisis and bring professionals together. Enjoy today's submission.

"The year looked promising for my travel business. My specialty at TCB Travel & Tours/ Marianatha Tours , here in Edmonton (an Affiliate of Nexion Canada) is organizing group pilgrimages and for 2020, I have 7 groups scheduled from May to November. Not bad for someone who is only doing this as a part time work/ business. This year was supposed to be the most number of confirmed groups I have lined up. And then, Covid19 happened and the pandemic changed everyone's lives and business! 6 out of 7 were all either cancelled or rescheduled to 2021 and 2022.

Since I only started my business in 2013, I didn't experience the previous challenges faced by the industry. I shared the same feeling of shock experienced by all agents. From being in denial at first, that this was happening, to being hopeful that this was going to be quick and short and everything will be back to normal, to coming into terms with the reality that this is a slow recovery and we are all in for a new normal.

During the first early stages of experiencing this crisis, lots of cancellations, long hold times with suppliers, dealing with clients' questions and concerns took most of my time. It was tiring, even depressing, knowing that all of the hard work from 12 months ago, to organize these groups will not be rewarded. In addition to this was dealing with FIT cancellations and air only bookings that needed to be cancelled, and the stress of wanting to "repatriate" clients as soon as possible but knowing that this was way beyond my control because there were no flights available.

Quickly I had to reflect on how I want to proceed with my business. I never questioned whether I still want continue this business. It has always been clear to me what my "why" is in doing this business. I believed in the value I provide to my clients because I bring them to places wherein they start as tourists and they come home as pilgrims. It's a combination of destination and customized experience that made my trips transforming. I still believe that I still help and provide value in my role, being part of that transformative experience and this is what is keeping me from pressing forward.

Yes, the business will take time to pick up but I am using this quiet time to better myself through online courses offered by tourist boards and suppliers and continue to take personal development courses on mindset and entrepreneurial skills. I am also sharing my experience and knowledge by giving workshops on these topics to help business owners to thrive and come out as the better version of themselves from this pandemic.

Key things I learned out of this pandemic: 1) mindset is important, not just to survive but to thrive and to continue to move forward, 2) agents will be more appreciated in future bookings by those who were used to booking directly online 3) travel business is like investing - there is a need to expand my group niche/ specialty so I am not placing all my "eggs in one basket." 4) Having a process to follow to reset my business is key in helping me reach that breakthrough I want to achieve in my travel business post Covid19.