Personal Travel Manager – Corinne Heyman on tour

Corinne Heyman has been in travel for 24 years but it wasn’t until February 2008 when she joined TravelManagers, as the representative for Bohle Plains in Townsville, that she realized the potential she had to truly build herself an amazing business in travel.

“Being with TravelManagers has enabled me to run my business my own way but knowing I always have back-up and support. They’ve taught me anything is possible and this really opened my eyes to how I want my business to be. They’ve brought out an entrepreneurial side I didn’t know I even had.”

Ms Heyman’s business operates entirely by word of mouth referrals something she has capitalized on.

“The past two years I have concentrated on building a strong client base with outstanding service levels. This is something as a personal travel manager I can really claim as a point of difference to my clients. They can see me when or where suits them or contact me 24/7. I truly know them, their likes, dislikes, preferences and details about their lives, all of which allows me to approach them with holiday ideas I know they will enjoy.”

Whilst Ms Heyman has many individual clients travelling all over the world she has developed a niche escorting tours for people 55 years and older.

“As part of my business proposition I wanted to be able to offer something unique. I knew that I could offer a very personal and professional service catering to the specific needs of the senior market. The older they are the more afraid some are to travel, others want company as they may now be on their own due to the loss of a loved one, some are looking for someone to guide them and be totally in control. My proposition is really all about comfort and security with the friendship of others, guided by my years of experience.”

Ms Heyman tailor makes her itineraries paying special attention to the pace of every day. She ensures plenty of rest/toilet stops, rest days and thinks carefully about what they may like to see and do.

“They want to be able to soak up the atmosphere, not be rushed and not have to be up at the crack of dawn. It’s a holiday for them so I have spent a lot of time listening to this age group and finding out what makes them happy. I love seeing them smile and giving them happy memories and good times, it’s hugely rewarding.”

While cruising isn’t all she offers, she says it is hugely popular.

“Cruising is very easy though for my over 55's as they unpack once and everything is done for them without any stress. There are lots of activities and entertainment right outside their cabin door, something many of them haven’t been able to do for years. We travel all over the world including Cambodia and Vietnam, Europe, China, New Zealand and even locally through Australia.”

Ms Heyman is conducting a Seniors Travel Expo/Information Day on 21 October from 10am to 2pm at the Carlyle Gardens Retirement Resort. She says it’s a perfect opportunity for product suppliers to get involved.

“There are over 500 homes within the main village plus they all have friends at other homes so the marketing opportunity for suppliers is incredible. They are a very loyal group who do a fantastic job spreading the word and recruiting other clients for me. I don’t advertise my tours they do that for me – all by word of mouth. I received the most fantastic PR in my local paper, The Townsville Bulletin. The clients raved about the tour and what a great time they’d had and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing as a result of it. Who needs to spend money on advertising with that kind of publicity?”

Ms Heyman says supplier opportunities are significant with TravelManagers.

“I’m just one example of what’s possible. We have over 310 personal travel managers across the country and many are very entrepreneurial offering niche products to their clients. The great thing is TravelManagers’ National Partnership Office and our business development managers are keen to work with suppliers, creating opportunities for both parties - it’s a real partnership approach.”

For more information about taking part in the Seniors Travel Expo/Information Day at the Carlyle Gardens Retirement Resort contact Corinne Heyman on corinneh@travelmanagers.com.au Or call on 0411 844 779.