Personal Travel Manager Pamela Baas is thinking outside of the box, speaking with Travel Weekly’s Industry Insider about increasing client base through niche market.

The decision to focus on the seniors’ market has proved a success in more ways than one, for TravelManagers’ personal travel manager Pamela Baas representative for Wallsend.

Initially inspired by seeing an article from a local member of parliament to hold a Seniors Expo in her area, the New South Wales personal travel manager didn’t realise that from this proactive enquiry, an exciting adventure with the seniors travel market was about to begin.

“I know the seniors have the time and money to travel a lot. They also love to live life, meet new people and experience all that they didn’t get to do when they were younger. The really nice thing too is that they also like to explore our backyard including places like Norfolk Island and Tasmania as well as travelling further afield.”

Baas has wholeheartedly embraced the seniors market taking many marketing opportunities to grow awareness within her local community of her specialisation into the seniors travel market.

“I have attended many expos including the Toronto Seniors Week Expo, the NSW Seniors Week Festival and even taken a stand for a few days at my local shopping centre, the Stocklands Wallsend Plaza. I also sponsor the bowls team at The Cove Village, one of the largest and fastest growing lifestyle villages in my area where I advertise on all of the drink holders around the greens. The seniors in my area are definitely starting to know my name as being the seniors travel expert which is fantastic.”

Baas truly understands the needs of seniors travel requirements.

“I assess what each of their individual physical abilities are and then tailor make the holiday to suit. Some prefer the routine of organised tours whilst others just love to experience another culture yet want the peace of mind that everything is organised for them. As long as they have a day or two to get over the flight and a few extra days of leisure in the middle and a not too fast paced itinerary, they are happy. It’s the little things that make all the difference and I just love making sure all these finer details are in place to ensure they have a hassle free and truly enjoyable holiday experience.”

TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager Michael Gazal says, “We applaud the way Pamela has focused on a growing need within her community. This innovative thinking epitomizes TravelManagers’ philosophy of personal travel managers utilising their skills and expertise to provide the ultimate travel experience for their customers. We recognize each personal travel manager has strengths in different areas and we actively support and encourage their individual focus on niche markets to further grow their businesses.”

Baas’ success can be attributed to her clear focus and innovative, outside the square thinking.

“The key is being innovative and fun. I recently held an afternoon tea wine and cheese event where a supplier spoke as well as a local resident talking about their most recent travels. Some casual mix and mingle time followed to get to know the residents more. That was hugely successful in really connecting with potential clients.”

Baas advises the support of the national partnership office is invaluable.

“I have now been with TravelManagers for five and a half years and the encouragement and support I receive from the national partnership office and other personal travel managers is incredible. I don’t know of any other travel business where everyone wants everyone else to succeed and are willing to help each other to achieve individual goals. TravelManagers gives me flexibility and allows me to confidently focus solely on my love of selling travel and to provide expertise and exemplary customer service. Working against each other creates stress, anxiety and negativity. We choose to work together and create positivity, happiness and prosperity, you can’t ask for more than that.”

The future certainly looks bright for the seniors in Wallsend.

“I actually have my bus license, so it’s on the cards that in the not too distant future I will also organize day trips out for the residents, which both they and I are very excited about,” laughs Baas.

Do you have something you want to say about the travel industry? Want to stand on your soapbox and yell it to the world? If yes, we want to hear from you.

Email kate@travelweekly.com.au and let your voice be heard.