Monday Minute: Jason McGregor of Vegan Vacations

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: Jason McGregor

Company: Vegan Vacations

Where do you live? Toronto, Ontario

How long have you been a travel agent? I'm still a "newbie" at just over a year now!

What is your speciality?

My speciality is most certainly helping people with dietary restrictions find resorts & tour operators that can accommodate their needs while doing so without compromising the experience for them. Veganism is on the rise across the world but there is still a disconnect about what veganism actually is and how in many ways businesses may already use vegan items or processes.

Ultimately we at Vegan Vacations want to help our guests explore the world knowing their specific needs will be not only met but that they will be exceeded. That limiting your diet to plant-based items shouldn't equal limitations on where or how you can travel.

What do you love most about being a travel agent? 

I love being able to help people. I love making a suggestion or planning out an itinerary and then making it a reality for my clients. The excited phone calls before and after their trip are what fuels my passion and finding out something I’ve suggested became an "experience of a lifetime" is what brings me the most joy.

What's one travel trend you've noticed as of late? 

Veganism, baby! Haha

It appears as though each day we hear about a new cruise company or resort chain embracing the plant-based movement by creating new dishes and restaurants to accommodate vegans. Hotels are offering vegan experiences, restaurants have plant-based options and menus and the demand has risen sharply in just a few short years.

I just hope this continues well into the future. There is definitely a market that is craving more options and we'll be happy to showcase those brands who continue to come up with new ideas and concepts for our segment of the market.

Of all the bookings you’ve made, which itinerary and/or travel package are you most proud of? 

I recently completed a group booking for 22 family members (who are in destination as I type this). The itinerary wasn't that complicated but the actual booking was challenging with so many different passengers and special requests. It was definitely a positive learning experience for me as a newer agent. I am very proud to know I can book a larger group and I'm all ready for the next one!

What's your number one piece of advice to other travel agents? 

Stop trying to be everything to everyone and focus on where your passions are and your business will grow.

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