Personal Travel Managers gather for airline training and business focus days

Personal Travel Managers gather for airline training and business focus days

TravelManagers’ Personal Travel Managers (PTMs) recently gathered in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia to soak up some knowledge and share their success.

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The home-based agent company held a Best Practice/Business Focus Day, as a part of their ongoing commitment to supporting PTMs in their businesses.

Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal, said the events were held as part of a programme that has been operating for several years now.

“These days are set up by our state-based Business Partnership Managers (BPMs), in conjunction with industry experts in various fields,” said Gazal.

“And are held around the country throughout the year.”

Roleystone, WA-based PTM, Michelle Edmead, attended the Perth event, and said there was a great sense of sharing knowledge and experiences among the group.

She said that as well as taking away practical ideas to consider implementing in her own business, the day was a great chance to hear about some of the unusual destinations that fellow PTMs had visited in the past six months.

TravelManagers’ WA-based PTMs attended a Business Focus Day (L – R): Carolynne Cannon, Vikki Southern, Michelle Edmead, Alison Parker, Erryn Morris and Carl Retschlag

TravelManagers’ WA-based PTMs attended a Business Focus Day (L – R): Carolynne Cannon, Vikki Southern, Michelle Edmead, Alison Parker, Erryn Morris and Carl Retschlag

“From an expedition cruise down the Labrador Coast to suggestions for sightseeing in Port Louis in Mauritius and a very interesting account of the inaugural Hainan Airlines direct flight famil from Sydney to Hainan Island, there was some amazing local knowledge shared among the group,” she explained.

“I came away with fresh ideas that have the potential to streamline my work processes and increase productivity, and picked up some great in-depth product knowledge that I’m looking forward to passing on to my clients.”

PTM Melanie Carter, who is representative for Scoresby, VIC, attended the Melbourne-based session, which ran over four hours at the Travelodge Southbank.  Carter said although it’s difficult to spend a day away from her business, the benefits easily outweigh the cost.

“Amongst the PTM’s, there is a genuine care for each other. An incredible openness and willingness to share knowledge and experience.”

“I really enjoy the spirit of sharing and support amongst the PTMs.  We all have our own way of doing things, so I always love to hear how other PTMs run their business processes and their reasons for doing so.”

Carter adds that she appreciates the differing perspectives her colleagues bring, and notes that some of the fresh ideas she has gleaned from the Best Practice Days have had a positive impact on her business.

In addition to the Best Practice/Business Focus Days, an Airline Fares and Ticketing Day was also held for Queensland- and northern NSW-based PTMs.

As well as 30 PTMs, two BPMs and TravelManagers’ Fares and Ticketing Manager, Jose Canas, the day was also attended by seven airline reps.

“The training that takes place within TravelManagers is programmed to ensure that PTMs have convenient access, regardless of where in Australia they are based,” said Gazal.

“These days are just a sample of the training that takes place on a regular basis to ensure that every PTM is equipped with the latest information and best business practices.”

“When you run your own business, it’s a big effort to regularly take time away from the office to attend training days.”

“One of our PTMs drove for close to three hours to attend the Queensland event, which speaks to the commitment of our PTMs to constantly improve their product knowledge and bond with their fellow PTMs.”

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