Port Macquarie luxury and groups travel designer Jen Lloyd is a finalist in a major travel scholarship.
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Ms Lloyd operates Jen Travel offices in Sydney and Port Macquarie.
One of five finalists from Australia and New Zealand in the 2019 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship Program, the winner will be announced on Wednesday November 13 in Sydney.
She is thrilled to be shortlisted for the prestigious scholarship.
"It's the first year I've entered - you self-nominate - and I got involved because this award is the pinnacle for customer service within the travel industry," she said.
"I am very focused on my customers so this award is exactly what I pride myself on.
"I like to go above and beyond for my clients; to get to know my clients and understand their needs including things such as dietary needs or if their holiday is for something special."
Ms Lloyd said she will often contact the accommodation in advance to make the necessary arrangements.
She says the scholarship judging panel will want to hear how exceptional customer service is delivered through her business along with examples.
"Other areas to be judged include on sustainability and how the finalists incorporate sustainability into the business," she added.
Ms Lloyd says she has been teaching her clients how to slow down because too often people try to do everything while on holidays.
"Many travellers come back exhausted from their holiday. So I try to teach people to slow down on their trip, to have the rest they need to make it a holiday."
Many travellers come back exhausted from their holiday. So I try to teach people to slow down on their trip, to have the rest they need to make it a holiday.
- Jen Lloyd
Ms Lloyd has spent 20 years in the travel industry, worked for herself for almost decade and started Jen Travel in Port Macquarie in 2016. She has since opened a Sydney office.
"One reason I really wanted to enter this scholarship was for the mentoring through Right Path (which is one of the prizes).
"This includes coaching and being mentored by an industry leader.
"I really want to grow this business to become one of the most customer-focused businesses in Australia.
"That would mean a lot to me personally.
"Even being named as a finalist is a testament to the level of customer service I currently provide.
"While there can be only one winner, within the industry, just being named a finalist means you are really a winner anyway."
Ms Lloyd will make a 10 minute presentation to a panel of judges on Wednesday, November 13 followed by a five minute question and answer session. The winner will be named a gala dinner that evening.
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