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Attraction World’s Emma McLeese likes to throw on a onesie and eat gherkins while extolling the virtues of pre-booking.
What’s your typical week?
I am on the road four days a week with a day at home. Every single day is different as I cover all over the south of England and Ireland so I clock up the air miles and the road miles. I could go to five places in one day doing a breakfast training followed by visits throughout the day, meeting a regional manager, evening training or hosting some of our top-selling agents for a fun day out.
How big is Attraction World’s on-the-road team?
We have a team of seven sales managers on the road, covering the length and breadth of the country to support the UK and Irish travel trade.
What’s in your car?
In my glove box I have a bag of plastic knives, forks and spoons so I can eat my lunch on the go. In my cup holder I keep a jar of pickled gherkins. They are a very tasty snack. As I spend a lot of my time in the car it is easier to keep the jar in there.
What’s on the iPod?
At the moment I am loving Rihanna again…“WERK WERK WERK”. The people sat beside me in traffic must think I am nuts.
What food outlet keeps you going on the road?
Subway! Subway Melt, peppered cheese with all the trimmings and southwest sauce. Yum!
What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever done as part of a sales visit?
I like to do evening trainings with staff as you get to spend quality fun time with the whole team. “Pizza and onesie” parties I call them. Agents stay behind for two-to-three hours after the shop closes and we throw on our onesies, order pizza, have training and play some games. Sometimes we get strange looks as we can’t be bothered to get changed when we leave so we all walk down the high street in our onesies!
How many times did it take to pass your driving test?
Just the one. I needed my freedom after growing up in the countryside and having to walk 25 minutes to get the bus so I had a driving lesson the day I had turned 17 and my wheels within three months.
What gives you ‘road rage’?
People who hog the outside lane. Move! I have very important people, aka travel agents, to see.
What’s your favourite pastime?
Living in London, I love getting out to all the quirky markets and gorgeous parks,
and now summer is here it is the best weekend pastime.
Which agency gives you the warmest welcome?
All the agencies in Essex. They are always great fun, bubbly and always take the time to listen to my new updates. They always make the time no matter how busy they are to have a chat or offer me a cuppa.
What key messages do you try to convey in an agent visit?
It is about letting travel agents know that they can offer money-saving attractions. Download our posters of top 10 things to do in a host of destinations and show them to your customers. By showing them what they can do, you are allowing them to pre-plan their holiday, save time and also money versus purchasing on the gate. Some of our tickets are up to 50% cheaper than buying when you get there. Who doesn’t want to save money?
What’s your advice for agents who don’t currently sell your product but are keen?
Get on the Attraction World bus! Make your offer stand out and include attraction tickets within the overall package to offer the full customer experience and service. If you don’t do this, you are not only missing out on a lucrative market but you’re also missing out on our monthly agent incentives. We have a sales team covering the whole country who would love to pop in and see you to show you our amazing products.
If you didn’t work in travel, what would you like to do instead?
Live and work on a farm. I love being in the countryside with all the animals. Just need to find a farmer to marry!
