Peggy Purtell (Source: Peggy Purtell)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Peggy Purtell, owner of Purtell Travel, an affiliate of Travel Experts.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I began my journey in the travel industry after returning from an African safari – truly the trip of a lifetime – and one I had planned and researched for years. I had initially tried to plan it all myself, but once I reached the part of the trip that involved crossing river borders in Botswana, hiring bush planes and locating a small, tented camp in the Okavango Delta, I knew I needed a travel advisor.
I reached out to a Virtuoso travel advisor, who expertly pulled everything together. When I returned, she invited me to lunch to hear all about the adventure – and at the end of our conversation, she surprised me by offering me a job! I was stunned (and deeply flattered), and accepted immediately, and have never looked back.
How did you build your business over the years?
My business was built entirely through word of mouth. I was fortunate to have amazing friends who believed in me from the start and were among my first clients.
At the same time, I was actively volunteering with several nonprofit boards in my hometown, and my fellow volunteers became some of my earliest supporters. In my first year, I had just three clients – and I was absolutely thrilled.
Since then, my business has grown beyond anything I imagined. Today, I’m proud to have my sister and daughter working alongside me.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I believe that being organized, flexible and calm – especially when clients need to pivot are essential traits for great travel planning.
I’ve also been fortunate to travel extensively around the world, and that firsthand knowledge of destinations and experiences has been a tremendous benefit to my business.
Equally important is having an incredible host agency behind me. Travel Experts has been a constant source of support, with incredible leadership. My fellow travel advisors at Travel Experts are always there to help me, and I have learned so much from them.
Finally, being a part of the Virtuoso network gives me access to a global community of trusted suppliers and hoteliers that truly make the magic happen for our clients.
What have your greatest challenges been?
One of the greatest challenges in my work is planning last-minute trips. While I always want to deliver exceptional, personalized experiences, limited availability can make it difficult to develop a high-quality, unique itinerary.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is when clients return from their trip filled with excitement, eager to share the details of their adventures. Hearing about the incredible experiences they had – from fabulous guides to unforgettable cuisine, beautiful hotel upgrades, and even the funny, unexpected moments along the way – reminds me exactly why I love what I do. Helping create those memories is the most rewarding part of my work.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
My advice for new travel advisors is to participate in as many educational webinars and trainings as possible – it’s one of the best ways to learn about destinations and stay current.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Meet as many people as you can, and focus on building relationships within the travel and hospitality community.
The people in this industry are some of the most interesting, curious and passionate individuals you’ll ever meet – and all of them want to serve their clients with excellence. And the bottom line-have fun!
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