ATN's travel agent of the month

Vikram Bhardwaj

ATN: How important is it that travel agents seek training?

A travel agent is an integral part of travel industry and always needs to be updated, well informed and well equipped.

Training programmes not only enhance the qualities of an individual but also for the entire organization for which that person works. I personally feel that it’s a three ‘C’ concept — get training and gain CONFIDENCE, make your clients COMFORTABLE and CASH in. I feel that Tourism Ireland’s training programmes help you achieve this.

ATN: What does it mean to you to be nominated ATN’s agent of the month?

I am amazed…I owe this to Cox & Kings and Tourism Ireland. I am extremely happy and consider this award as a point from where I have to go stronger and harder to achieve more. ATN is such a reputed name, not only in Middle East, but throughout the world and so it is a honor for me and my organisation (Cox & Kings) to be a agent of the month.

Story continues below

The initiative aims to give agents a big pat on the back in recognition of their achievements. It awards agents who that go that extra mile, not just for their organisations, but for their own personal achievements. It could be that you’ve shown initiative and made a big sale; completed a training programme; got promoted; or gone out of your way to achieve excellence in your field. ATN takes nominations from both suppliers and agents. Email gemma.greenwood@itp.com

Star agent: Vikram Bhardwaj
Position: Leisure travel agent, Cox & Kings Tours, Dubai
Age: 31
Nationality: Indian
Time in travel industry: 7 years
Time at Cox & Kings: 5 years
Ambition: “I want to head a team of strong travel professionals in the field of destination planning.”
Nominated by: Tourism Ireland account manager GCC Aiveen Ryan
Ryan says: “Vikram has always been hugely supportive in promoting Ireland. He was one of the first to sign up for the Shamrock Agents training programme and complete all the modules.”