At our recent Travel Counsellors mini conference, I was honoured to receive an award for the way I supported my clients during the recent Middle East crisis. While it is lovely to be recognised, what matters most to me is what this says about the service my clients can rely on when they choose to book their holidays with me.

When the situation in the Middle East escalated, many travellers were suddenly facing flight cancellations, rapidly changing guidance, and understandable anxiety about their safety. Instead of spending hours on hold with airlines or scrolling endlessly through conflicting information online, my clients had one clear point of contact: me.

Behind the scenes I was:

• Proactively monitoring updates and contacting affected clients before they had to chase me.
• Securing alternative flights and routes where needed, and rearranging hotels and transfers to keep trips smooth and stress-free.
• Offering clear, honest advice tailored to each client’s circumstances, rather than one-size-fits-all guidance.
• Providing emotional reassurance at a time when many people felt worried and overwhelmed.

This award acknowledges that, even in the most challenging situations, I am fully committed to putting my clients first and staying by their side from the moment they book until they arrive home safely.

For anyone considering booking with me in future, this is what you can expect:

• Personal duty of care: You are never just a booking reference. I know your plans, preferences and concerns, so I can act quickly and calmly if things change.
• Expert guidance in uncertain times: Travel is more complex than ever, with evolving global events, entry requirements and airline changes. I do the legwork so you can focus on enjoying your holiday.
• Advocacy when you need it most: If something goes wrong, I am on your side, working with suppliers and partners to find solutions and protect your travel plans.
• Reassurance from start to finish: From the initial ideas to your return home, you have one dedicated person looking after every detail.

This award is a lovely recognition of what I did during the Middle East crisis, but for me it is also stands as a promise: that I will continue to offer the same level of care, attention and commitment to every client, on every trip, wherever in the world you choose to travel.

If you would like the peace of mind that comes from having an award-winning travel professional in your corner, I would be delighted to help design and protect your next escape. Contact me to start planning your next trip with complete confidence.