Competition is fierce within any business and the travel industry is no exception. Company and industry awards pit colleagues against each other to ultimately find the best of the best. TravelManagers' executive general manager, Mandy Scotney believes the culture of an organisation plays a vital part in finding the right balance.

"It is about creating an environment where there is healthy rivalry which leads to people extending themselves but also the openness to want to learn from each other's knowledge and experience because everyone has something to offer."

Ms Scotney says their regional meetings and networking sessions foster this type of situation.

"I do think there is a fundamental difference with personal travel managers, they are very client focused and the relationships they have with their clients and the type of clients they attract, demand in-depth information. Sharing ideas and experiences with colleagues is not only efficient but importantly it is coming from a trusted source which is hugely valuable."

Ms Scotney says a great example was a personal travel manger of theirs, Aileen Collins from Carrara in Queensland who had travelled to Sabah.

"There was no formal requirement for Aileen to share the information but through our intranet (The Oracle) she posted a comprehensive report covering everything from cultural information through to tips only known by locals. It was hugely valuable for our other personal travel managers."

Ms Scotney says there is a flow on effect.

"Our personal travel managers know if you give you receive and now it is common place to have them voluntarily file reports for everyone to access. Or they post something saying they have been to Bermuda and anyone requiring information for a client to contact them."

Ms Collins says it was her passion for travelling that drove her to write the report.

"I love hearing or reading about people's trips especially when they tell you about gems that would either be impossible to find otherwise or something only a local would know. One day while we were in Sabah we hired a car which wasn't scary at all as they also drive on the left-hand side and actually observe all the road rules. In fact there was even good signage in English everywhere. We drove to the tip of Borneo where there is a large landmark marking the most northern point. There we discovered the most beautiful beach imaginable in a perfect protected crescent bay with crystal-clear water and a sandy bottom. It was one of those "Wow" moments that you just want clients to experience."

Ms Collins says writing up the report will also serve as a good reminder and record for her.

"I now have very comprehensive notes that I can refer to when working with clients. What's more I know by sharing this type of information with my personal travel manager colleagues not only they will share information back with me, but as a company it makes us stronger."

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