Cover Stars 2026: How Madeira trip changed Kate McMinn's perceptions and helped sell the destination

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Q. How was your photoshoot?
Mine was the first one and I was so nervous. We went to different locations in the hotel, such as premium rooms with a private pool, overlooking Funchal and the rooftop bar with an infinity pool. The guys from Travel Weekly and Jet2holidays made me feel comfortable. 

Q. What were the highlights?
The jeep safari was amazing, with music playing as we went past beautiful waterfalls. It was so much fun and lovely to see different parts of the island. It felt like there were different seasons in one day; it was warm and sunny in Funchal and raining in the mountains. We also had a demonstration of poncha making [a traditional drink]. We had a cable car ride to the Botanical Gardens; you could see the whole of Funchal. We had amazing views on our sunset boat cruise and visited markets selling fresh fish and exotic fruits I’d never seen before. We visited a vineyard where we sampled wine, cheese and meat and ate at a beautiful Michelin‑starred restaurant on our final night.   

Q. Have you sold holidays to Madeira since?
Yes! While I was there, I posted on social media every day. When I returned, I wrote a trip summary and some people emailed about it. I’ve sold it a few times, including some who’d wanted to go elsewhere; I suggested Madeira, so they switched and ended up booking. I didn’t know much about Madeira before I went. I’d thought it just suited older people, but I was wrong; I would go back.

Q. What was it like going to the Globe Travel Awards? 

It was my first time and was absolutely brilliant. It was great to reunite with everyone from the trip. We had an amazing ta[]ble right at the front, hosted by Jet2holidays, and entertainment included Tinie Tempah who was incredible. I’d definitely recommend agents apply for Cover Stars 2027 (see page 16).

Q. What other trips have you done?
I went to Salou two years ago and Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol last year. It helps to sell as I can share real experiences and photos. I like to travel to different places – I went to Iceland and New York in November for my 21st birthday. I’ve been to France, Greece and Spain, and I like city breaks.

Q. Can you remember your first or any unusual bookings?
When I started, I booked London breaks and straightforward trips. I’ve booked two people to go to Australia for four weeks, over New Year along the East Coast – scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef and in Sydney for New Year. It’s really nice booking people’s dream holidays.

Kate McMinn’s travel career 

I’d thought about being an agent as I’ve travelled from a young age with my mum and dad. After A-levels, I emailed Cumbria Travel about jobs or apprenticeships. After an interview, I started as an apprentice in September 2022 and finished in December 2023. I work in Workington. There are nine of us here in Dunmail Shopping Park Centre. We also have a Whitehaven branch. Lots of people come to the centre for Asda, the cinema and free parking. The phones are busy too, as we do lots on social media. Some people travel an hour or more to see us. 

At the end of this year, I’m going to Australia. I have a six-week tour from Melbourne to Cairns over Christmas, and then I’ll stay, but I’ve not decided for how long – I’ve bought a one‑way ticket! I have a Work and Holiday visa so I will try to get a job. Cumbria Travel said they’d be happy to have me back after a year. They want me to send photos and post about what I’m doing for customers.

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