Monday Minute: fareconnect.com's Karen Berg

The 'Monday Minute' is a weekly feature at PAX dedicated to highlighting the movers, shakers, leaders and rule-breakers in Canada's travel agent community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com! 

Name: Karen Berg

Company:   Fareconnect.com

Where do you live? Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

How long have you been a travel agent? Seven years

What is your specialty?  Family travel, groups and destination weddings.

What do you love most about being a travel agent?  It’s exciting building trips for others! I think about my own travel and how I like experiencing different cultures, food, etc. These experiences have given me an appreciation for others around the globe and these travel memories will last a lifetime. The expression “Travel makes you Rich” rings true for myself and I hope for my clients, too!

What's one travel trend you've noticed as of late? More and more people seem to value experiences over material possessions and in turn, are looking for authentic and unique travel experiences. Travellers are still wanting to go to the popular destinations, but many are excited to try something new in destination!

Of all the bookings you’ve made, which itinerary and/or travel package are you most proud of? I’ve booked travel for clients where the goal was to surprise a family or friend. I think about myself, and if someone did that for me, I’d think ‘Wow, what an amazing gift!’ That surprise gift continues on, with memories of the destination, etc. and especially, of the time together!  You can’t get or give a better gift than TRAVEL!

What's your number one piece of advice to other travel agents?  Service is number one. With so many online travel options out there, travel agents need to provide genuine, customer service to their clients. The bottom line is that people want to be taken care of - life is busy for everyone! Clients appreciate when a travel professional takes the time for them and providing good service leads to a quality business relationship ­- which can bring you repeat clients!

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