About Gaynor Bennett
Thank you for visiting my page! I’ve been selling travel since 2001, and it is my absolute passion to help others make their travel dreams come true. For about 15 years of that time I was in the same office where I really enjoyed getting to know my clients well and developing that relationship, whereby customers knew they could trust me to research the best options and the best value for their specific needs. From the smaller trips close to home, the longer adventures further afield, and the busy corporate itineraries, I really enjoy putting together all the different aspects to make it a trip to remember. I’m known for my eye to detail, which is vital in helping with your arrangements whether it is for holidays or business. Each year I achieved high sales awards, including being in the Top 12 nationwide for the chain I worked for.
I’ve done a lot of travel myself including the typical kiwi OE (living in the UK and Canada), getting married in the Cook Islands, and more recently it has been family holidays with my children. It is so hard for me to choose a favourite destination as they are all wonderful in their own ways! Some standout memories though would be going to Bora Bora, which was a dream of mine from childhood – it totally exceeded my expectations! The water is just out of this world, accommodation spectacular in every way, and the food just incredible. I love nature and the great outdoors, and a USA trip to Arizona and Utah provided plenty of that. Staying on the edge of the Grand Canyon was breath-taking, I enjoyed it from the air and also walking part way down with many pathways on our footstep in the village. However the surrounding areas such as Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon blew my mind just as much, all with such different scenery. And India was a very special trip for me, a real treat to the senses in so many ways. No words can describe seeing a majestic beautiful tiger in the wild, or seeing the stunning Taj Mahal – I have never felt such emotion seeing a building before. In the last few years I’ve done many shorthaul family trips, around our own stunning New Zealand, Australia and the islands, Fiji and the Cook Islands will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope to add New York to my list in the near future!
As part of the Travel Managers Group, we have huge buying power within the NZ travel industry and we are not restricted to booking certain companies or products, therefore we can access countless options for you and at fantastic prices. I know your time is precious so leave your travel in my hands where you’ll have my personal service, knowledge, resources and contacts, creating the best value holiday for you. You will have my support right throughout the process, including while you are overseas and on your return.
I would love to help make your travel dreams a reality so please get in touch!
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How long have you been with TMG? How long have you been in the travel industry?
Nearly 3 years. In the travel industry since 2001.
What's your best memory/favourite moment being a member of TMG?
I was only 6 months into being with Travel Managers when covid hit, which was a very unsettling time for our industry initially before we all got used to the new normal. I was blown away with the support from our TMG team, both fellow brokers and our Head Office. From the obvious guidance needed to navigate bookings / customers etc, but also checking in how we were doing personally. It was made very clear that we could always contact our head person for a chat any time (including after hours) if we needed to, whether work related or not. The support was, and still is, incredible.
What's your best travel experience in your time with TMG?
Early March 2020 - yes, literally as we got our first covid case! - I was on an educational in South Australia. It was an amazing trip, such a great region with so much to offer. Adelaide, where we went to the fringe festival, is a great city, and we wined/dined across the Barossa!
Do you still have any clients from when you started in travel/with TMG? How long have they been clients of yours?
Yes. 15+ years, many of them I'm booking their children now!
What makes them a special/loyal client?
Trust. They can give a broad rough plan and trust me to turn it into something great, while I know their preferences for airlines and accommodation and what they've loved from previous trips.
What is the most memorable trip you have booked for a client?
So many! It's about the human value, not the monetary value. Just this week I had some clients finally get back to Sweden to see their family after covid permitted that for so long, and the thought of that emotional happy reunion and being able to help make that happen is why I love what I do. Recently I arranged a Martinborough trip for 16 ladies, and given omicron was everywhere it was a total miracle everyone got away!
What is the most impactful customer service you have offered?
Trying to get a client back home when borders were closing and flights were totally full, a very scary prospect for travellers! My clients were literally at the airport counter being told there were no seats, and to leave the airport. I was glued to my computer and got them on that flight 2 hours before it departed, I know if it wasn't for me they would not have got on the plane, or home for a long time!
What are the best thanks you have received from a client?
Gratitude, my clients are so lovely and thankful. I've been spoilt with lunches, chocolates, flowers, very nice champagne, vouchers, none of which is expected but very much appreciated.
What has been the biggest change/challenge you have experienced in the travel industry in the last 20 years?
September 11 was a major, I lost my first travel agent job with all that followed that but luckily got a new job soon after. And then there have been various things like swine flu, SARS and other illnesses (prior to covid!).
And how did you overcome that change/challenge?
You have to be resilient and adaptable to change, it's an industry that has constant changes and you need to be on the ball. Keep upskilling and re-educating!
If you've answered Covid to the above, is there anything else significant you've found has impacted the travel industry in the last 20 years?
I was going to say covid as the obvious answer but thought I better put something else!
