Avis Scholarship - November 2015
Since its launch in 1996 the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship has evolved into one of the most valuable and prestigious awards offered to Australian travel professionals.
One of the reasons this unique program has endured is because it has never waivered from its original objective: to encourage, recognise and reward outstanding customer service.
Much has altered in the Australian travel industry since the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship was first launched and today consultants operate in a more complex and competitive environment than ever before.
At the same time, thanks to the internet, consumers are more informed and demanding.
By delivering an unrivalled level of customer service, some travel agents have not just survived but thrived in the face of these challenges.
Excellence in customer service manifests itself in many different ways – sometimes it’s a dramatic act that goes well beyond the call of duty, other times it’s a series of small but memorable gestures or an unwavering attention to detail – but it is almost always underpinned by:
a genuine respect for the client a willingness to take ownership of a problem a talent for finding innovative and creative solutions a determination to constantly exceed expectations a personal touch a desire to continually improve
(Courtesy of Avis Scholarship)
This year, I put my own service philosophies to the test and was honoured to have been selected into the final 5 consultants in Australia. Although not the ultimate victor this time, it was a humbling and very privileged opportunity; one of the best so far in my 23 year travel career.
Here is what the judges had to say:
"This year's scholarship was one of the most closely contested in the award's history. Each of the finalists demonstrated the essential elements required to provide the highest quality service, including the ability to identify, understand and anticipate their customers' needs. They also showed the judges that they have the skills and experience required to meet those needs with clever and creative solutions".
It goes without saying, my customers always come first. It is not about working towards sales targets or preferred products; it is about providing you with the best possible service, expertise and solutions to your travel enquiries.