27/06/2020
Heyyy!
I hope everyone who has liked, shared and supported my home based travel agency services since Summer 2016 is good and well.
As of 16th May 2020, I am no longer trading via a third party. It’s a decision (to leave the travel industry) that’s been lingering for a while and once Covid-19 took hold of our world - my instincts became too strong to ignore.
From a consumer point of view, the landscape of travel has changed. Unfortunately, the structure and systems within the travel industry has not. As social-political issues continue to be at the forefront, the travel industry continues to hang on to old ways and lack progressive thought.
There is a glass ceiling that I feel will never be broken. Favouritism, racial and cultural biases continue to run rampant within an industry that should be leading the way and championing change for a fairer and safer society.
Instead, I see chats/articles and high priced seminars once every blue moon discuss diversity and inclusion for better representation of people of colour who work within travel & tourism + improving ethical behaviours and support/strengthen local economies in poorer/disadvantaged countries —> with a non diverse panel of speakers indulge and display tokenism to make it seem as if things are really moving forward. Rarely, will a travel agent or an employee for that matter who is actually doing the hard work, be invited (for free) to add nuance and perspectives to these said events.
The focus on trivial issues in comparison to a lack of consideration for individuals with disabilities also concerns me deeply. Also, I can’t promote countries that turn a blind eye to children being exploited for sexual gratification and continue to encourage colonial type travel experiences.
In addition, my aspirations and priorities have taken a different, more rewarding path. There have been many, many highs and achievements during my long number of years working as a Travel Consultant however, I’ve outgrown the role within the industry and days of my self-worth being defined by how many holidays, trips and ancillary products I sell are now happily behind me.
I will elaborate on my personal experiences on an alternative platform.
For now, this is it!
Wishing you all the best
Chantelle
Travelabella x