Michelle Murray, travel industry sales manager, Rail Europe
Education: five ‘O’ levels, BTEC Business Studies.
First travel job: sales support, Sealink, aged 20. Michelle was promoted to the position of PA to the sales director and then moved into the sales field herself.
Career path: Michelle progressed to area sales manager at Sealink, with responsibility for both multiple and independent travel agents in London and Kent. In 1991 she moved to Accident and General as a sales manager. In this role Michelle’s responsibilities included developing new business and assisting travel agents and tour operators. In July 1994 Michelle joined Holiday Autos as national sales manager. This role involved the negotiation of contracts for all major national independent and business travel clients. In November 1996 Michelle moved back into the travel insurance field by joining BUPA Travel Services as national accounts manager. Michelle’s role included responsibility for the management of the total BUPA Travel Services portfolio. Michelle joined Rail Europe from BUPA Travel Services in May this year. In her role as travel industry sales manager her main objective is to increase Rail Europe’s UK travel industry sales with tour operators and travel agents. Michelle is focusing attention upon key accounts and new players with the aim of placing the benefits of rail travel at the top of the agenda for travel agents and tour operators.
Advice for people wishing to develop a career in travel: “Have an enthusiastic approach to your work. This is vital for day-to-day enjoyment of the job and for building relationships in your team. Communication and team skills are essential in a travel sales role and you also need the ability to juggle many tasks at once!”
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