Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 - (Page 84)

BUSINESS OPER ATIONS AGENT PROFILE Experience Pays Linden Travel’s Connie Majors puts a solid travel background to good use BY MICHAEL BROWNE AFTER BEGINNING HER CAREER AS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT and working her way up through some of the leading travel agencies in the business, Connie Majors landed at New York-based Linden Travel in 2006 as head of leisure travel. One thing her experience has taught her is that “leisure travel hasn’t really changed since 1971…Other than the technology and automation, we’re still doing it the old-fashioned way.” By that, Majors is referring to the personal touch so critical to success in the travel industry. “Reaching out on a personal level is key,” she asserts, “as well as building and maintaining relationships with clients and vendors.” Having managed travel agencies in the past, Majors likens her clients to employees. “You have to manage [clients] as you would an employee,” she says. “Clients expect certain things, and it’s my role to provide that.” Being part of Linden Travel makes that an easier task: The company is a heavy hitter in the industry, with more than $100 million in annual volume. Says Majors, “[Owner] Barbara Gallay’s reputation is so great, we have established strong bonds with vendors. That’s a huge benefit in this business.” Indeed, she notes, in an industry notorious for “playing favorites,” it’s a very good thing to be one of those favorites— certainly her clients appreciate the dividends those relationships pay off. Another thing that Linden Travel offers is the breadth of experience of its agents. “When it comes to travel, we have someone who’s been everywhere,” says Majors. “For clients, it’s like going to a library and researching a trip, but it’s a completely personal experience.” Majors specializes in the Caribbean, Africa and Europe and often books for Abercrombie & Kent, Orient-Express Hotels and Micato Safaris. For her own knowledge, she personally visits all of the locations she sells to keep updated on the latest trends and innovations of suppliers and destinations all over the world. In addition, Linden Travel provides a valuable program for all of its travel consultants and suppliers: Vendors are invited to its offices to join mini trade shows and do presentations; travel consultants are exposed to different suppliers every day. CONNECTING YOU To read more profiles of industry leaders, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/industry-profiles Out of Africa Travel is not just Majors’ career, it’s her passion—particularly Africa, which has become her personal favorite destination. “I can’t explain the thrill that you get if you’ve never been,” she says. “It’s almost like an out-of-body experience…and it’s not just about the animals. The people in Africa are unlike any people anywhere.” On her recent trip to East Africa hosted by Micato Safaris, Majors became a big supporter of Micato’s AmericaShare program that sponsors underprivileged children in East Africa. Founded 20 years ago, AmericaShare now supports about 2,000 children in schools and orphanages throughout East Africa. Majors inspired all Linden Travel associates and consultants to sponsor a young boy, Jackson Kageha, in Nairobi to go to school. “It’s a great cause,” she says, and something she encourages all her clients to participate in. I Connie Majors HEAD OF LEISURE TRAVEL, LINDEN TRAVEL Headquarters: 909 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-404-6300 Web site: www.lindentravel.com Annual sales volume: $100 million-plus (company) Connie Majors and tour guide get to know Jambalani the elephant while visiting Africa 84 | TravelAgent May 26, 2008 http://www.travelagentcentral.com/industry-profiles http://www.lindentravel.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Las Vegas: New Luxury Lounges and Gourmet Restaurants Lure Non-Gambling Vacationers Europe: Bettoja Hotels Provide a Personal Touch in Italy Pacific/Asia: Kyoto Blends History and Culture in a Serene City Pacific/Asia News and Notes Mexico: Food and Service Entice at Four All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Hotels Special Supplement: The Best of Portugal with Pestana and Pousadas Mexico Deals Caribbean: Region Makes Great Strides in the Ecotour Niche Caribbean News and Notes Cruises: A look at the Swiss Sapphire River Cruiser from its Christening and Inaugural Sailing Norwegian Cruise Lines offers something new Cover Story: Selling Golf Hotels: Golf Resorts with the Budget Golfer in Mind Resorts on Florida’s Gulf Coast Offer Getaway Deals for Summer and Fall Going for Gold: Hertz Incentive Program Encourages Agents to Book Car Rentals Tours: Summer Tour Packages Make the World Affordable for Your Clients Agent Profile: Connie Majors Goes the Extra Mile Members Know: American Express Joins the Networking Bandwagon Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar What Makes a Professional Agent? Hawaii Tourism Adjusts to Changes Asia is the Hot New Cruise Destination The Latest Caribbean Trends In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.