The new recruit to the industry explains why travel is an ‘amazing’ environment to work in. Josie Klein reports
Q. Why did you enter the Cover Stars competition?
A. I’ve been in the travel industry for about 18 months, and before I joined I’d been abroad only four times in my life, so I was excited to hear of an opportunity to travel. I didn’t know that much about Montenegro and thought this would be an amazing way to experience it. I was also desperate to win a place at Travel Weekly’s Globe Awards, so that was another big incentive to enter.
Q. How did it feel to win a place on the trip?
A. I couldn’t believe it, as I wasn’t expecting to get picked. I’ve never been particularly lucky and I knew the competition was available to all the agents in the UK, so I never thought I would get a place. When I got the phonecall, I was beyond happy. I was nervous as I’d never travelled with people I didn’t know, but mainly I was excited.
I’ve never been particularly lucky and I knew the competition was available to all the agents in the UK, so I never thought I would get a place
Pictured: Beth on a boat on the Bay of Kotor
Q. How did you feel when you arrived at Manchester airport?
A. I was buzzing. The Jet2holidays team was easy to spot and made me feel even more excited. They took us through to the Escape lounge which was unexpected but brilliant. Lots of my customers use airport lounges but I’d never been in one, so it was great to experience.
Q. What was your room at the Iberostar Slavija?
A. It was stunning. We all got upgraded to suites and mine was huge – I couldn’t believe how much space I had all to myself. I had a sea-view room with my own balcony. It was such a shock to have such a beautiful room and made me feel so special, as I’d never stayed anywhere like that before.
It was really exciting to get all glammed up beforehand and then to feel super-special as all eyes were on me
Q. What was your favourite part of the hotel?
A. The rooftop was incredible and was without a doubt my favourite spot. There was a bar – perfect for sipping cocktails at sunset – and an infinity pool with incredible views of Slavija. I’d looked the hotel up online before I went but the photos do not do the rooftop justice – it was just gorgeous.
Q. How was your photoshoot?
A. It was so much fun. I’d never done one before but the photographer, Steve [Dunlop], made me feel so comfortable. It was really exciting to get all glammed up beforehand and then to feel super-special as all eyes were on me. The whole team made me feel so important. It was a lovely experience.
The Globes was on the same day as my 21st birthday, and it felt extra special to be back with all the other Cover Stars
Q. How did you get on with your fellow Cover Stars?
A. We were instantly like a little family. I was the baby of the group, so everyone looked after me, which was so kind of them. Each person had their own unique personality but we all gelled together so well. I couldn’t have wished for a better group of people to experience the trip with. We are currently in the process of finding a date to all meet up again and I’m really excited for that.
Q. You attended Travel Weekly’s Globe Awards with the other Cover Stars. How was it?
A. I absolutely loved it. The Globes was on the same day as my 21st birthday, and it felt extra special to be back with all the other Cover Stars and to be at an event as glamorous as The Globes. Getting to go to the event was a big reason for me entering the competition – and the night surpassed my expectations. Even my boss, who has been in travel for nearly 40 years, has never been, so I felt lucky to be there. Jet2holidays was an amazing host and put us up in a lovely hotel. The staff must have been told it was my birthday, as there was a cake and bottle of prosecco in my room, which was such a lovely touch.
Pictured: Beth with fellow Cover Star Suzanne Wilkinson
Before I went, I had never recommended Montenegro to anyone as I didn’t know anything about it, but it’s different now
Q. How has the trip helped you sell Montenegro?
A. The trip has helped me so much, as I am now more confident in talking about Montenegro to my customers. Before I went, I had never recommended Montenegro to anyone as I didn’t know anything about it, but it’s different now. I’m able to talk to customers about all the hotels we visited, the food, the culture, the areas that are more lively or the spots more suited to couples or families. It’s been so helpful and I’m excited to use my new knowledge to sell loads of trips – and all thanks to Jet2holidays.
Pictured: Beth at The Chedi Lustica Bay Hotel
Bethany’s travel career
I became an estate agent when I left school, but I wanted to do something more exciting, so moved into travel 18 months ago.
I knew a manager at Premier Travel and she spoke highly of the company and about how she loved her job. So when a position came up, I jumped at the chance.
Pictured: Some of the Cover Stars at Porto Montenegro
In travel, everyone I talk to is so happy because they are going on holiday. It’s an amazing environment to work in
I didn’t look into other companies; I knew that if I was going to work in travel, it was going to be at Premier – and I haven’t looked back.
I’d barely been abroad before I started and my geography was appalling. But I’ve been away six times in the past 18 months and am more knowledgeable about the destinations I sell.
I love the travel industry. When I was an estate agent, everyone that came in was grumpy. But in travel, everyone I talk to is so happy because they are going on holiday. It’s an amazing environment to work in.
