Travel Agent Day is an opportunity for the travel industry to reflect on their contributions

A prominent figure in the travel agent community has paid tribute to a Saskatoon travel agent for her tireless work to raise the profile of travel agents across the country.

Jeff Element, COO of the Travel Agent Next Door, is commending Colleen Lorenzen, who worked at Uniglobe Carefree Travel and was the driving force behind the creation of Travel Agent Day.

The country will mark the annual event on May 7.

“I joined the travel industry in 1993 and have seen many changes over the last three decades,” Element says. “One thing that has remained consistent is the unwavering professionalism of the Canadian travel agent community. At this time of the year, as the busy winter sun season winds down, I think of Colleen and what she started.”

Element says that Travel Agent Day is an opportunity for members of the travel industry to reflect on their contributions to the industry and to Canadian society at large. 

“Canada is an amazing country, and I am proud of who we are as a people,” he says. “I think one of the things that makes us stand out and contributes to our greatness is our view of the world. So many of us have had the tremendous privilege of being able to travel and not only see many parts of the world but also to experience it from many different perspectives. From that comes an appreciation for other ways of life and a compassion and tolerance that is unparalleled. I believe our travels have made us better people, better world citizens, while also providing us with an immense sense of pride and appreciation for our own country and the opportunities it offers us. What is even more rewarding is the role that the travel agent community has played in shaping our society by paying these gifts forward and helping our fellow citizens see the world and experience these rewards firsthand.”

Element, in the industry for over 30 years, notes he entered it indirectly, being a CPA by trade and working for several years as an accountant before finding way into the travel trade.  

“One thing that has made a distinct impression on me is the many parallels that exist in terms of the professionalism that is displayed in both industries,” he states. “I see day in and day out the Canadian travel agent community rise to the challenge and bring their best to everything they do, delivering not only logistical advice and direction, but serving as expert and trusted counsel to travellers and curating experiences that allow them to realize their travel dreams.

“I want to commend the Canadian travel agent community for all that they do and continue to do. We have a lot to be proud of!”