About Vicki
When I was in my early 20's, an accident forced me to look for a new career. My professional ballet life was suddenly over. Remembering the words of Mark Twain which my father had regularly quoted to me ...
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. Explore! Dream! Discover! ”
I decide to venture into the world of travel, a job which would soon become a passion.
For nearly 40 years, I have worked in this exciting industry. I started my career with Jetabout Holidays in Global Reservations; I moved through the company, gaining experience in ticketing, South Pacific touring, Asia (Product Department) and finally ‘Inbound' working as Assistant Manager and concentrating on Japanese groups visiting Australia.
From Qantas, I moved to Hong Kong and joined Peggy Craig Travel, a company specializing in cultural tours and adventure travel throughout Asia. I was the ‘go to' person for scuba diving, white water rafting, trekking in Asia and safaris to Africa. American Express soon came calling and asked me to join them as Manager of two large departments – Corporate Home Leave and Card Member Travel. I was the obvious person for locals and expats when it came to organizing travel to ‘the land down under.'
Returning to Australia, I was able to combine my love of classical music, dance and history with work when I joined Renaissance Tours, the leading cultural tour operator in Australia. Wearing my Tour Director hat, my travels with various groups took me to Europe, America and South America and enabled me to experience some of the most fabulous performances (opera, music, ballet) in the company of like-minded people.
Looking for a new challenge, I joined Abercrombie and Kent, arguably the world's #1 wholesale tour operator. I gained in-depth knowledge of countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.They are a truly professional organisation and I happily entrust my clients to them when asked for a high quality (small) group or private tour.
Next, I ventured into the world of cruising managing the Private Travel Desk for Wiltrans International (who were originally the GSA for Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruising and Paul Gauguin.) This expanded my knowledge of the cruise industry in general and luxury hotels in particular.
There are not many countries I have not visited but I do have a bucket list which includes the Galapagos Islands, Namibia and Antarctica.
I take great pride in my work; I have meticulous attention to detail and 99.9% is not good enough. Every file must be 100% correct with all boxes ticked and requests fulfilled. I always endeavour to offer the highest level of personalized service and I constantly remind myself that I am helping people fulfill their travel dreams.
I love being part of MTA Travel and, work-wise, I have never been happier. The connections they have with organisations such as Virtuoso, Belmond Bellini Club and CruiseCo plus all the ‘invitation only' memberships such as Hyatt Prive, IHG Luxury and Lifestyle, Marriott STARS, Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, Shangri La Luxury Circle to name just a few, allow me to offer so much more.
I understand with all the information now available on the internet, it can be confusing, frustrating and overwhelming trying to organize a holiday. It doesn't have to be this way; a good Travel Agent can take away all the hassle and make it stress-free. It would, therefore, be my pleasure to discuss your plans with you and to make sure your travel dream turn into a successful reality.
Previous experience
Wiltrans International (7 yrs) Manager - Private Travel Desk, offering clients a professional, individualized travel service with the emphasis on the luxury cruise industry. Expanded over time to include tailor-made holidays, land-based tours, flights, hotels, car hire and rail holidays.
Abercrombie & Kent, Sydney (2 yrs) Specialist Travel Consultant - (covering the entire A&K portfolio with particular emphasis on India, China, South America, Europe and the Middle East).
Renaissance tours (8 yrs) Cultural Tours Manager – Involved in the organisation of cultural tours (opera, classical music, ballet, art and historical tours) for clients such as Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony, Australian Ballet and Art Gallery Society of NSW.
American Express Travel, Hong Kong (7 yrs) Manager - Corporate Holiday Travel and Card Member Travel.
Peggy Craig Adventure Travel, Hong Kong (5 yrs) Manager Wholesale - (specializing in travel to China, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. Specialized in diving, whitewater rafting, trekking in Asia and safaris to Africa).
Jetabout Holidays (10 yrs) Assistant Product Planner - Asia and Inbound (Australia); Senior Travel Consultant (USA, Europe, Asia and South Pacific).
Areas of specialty
On a personal level, when I travel it is all about getting back to nature and exploring the ‘less traveled’ paths. I relax best when I am near water - ocean, river or lake - and so it follows that I am passionate about cruising. I scuba dive, sail and am a member of a dragon boat team and nothing makes me happier than when I am sitting alone on a pristine beach, listening to the sound of the ocean. My other interest is ancient history so many of my trips include countries such as Italy, Greece and Egypt.
Favourite Cities: Paris, Rome and St Petersburg
Favourite Countries: Italy, Botswana, Brazil
Where would I love to go next? Antarctica or Rwanda (to see the mountain gorillas).
Awards
UFTAA - Student of the YearWorldwide (1977)
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IATA – Tourism and Hospitality DiplomaTop Student – Australia (1977)
