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Happy to be a Maldiva

People often take the mickey out of me for the amount of times I have been to the Maldives (10 and counting, including a trip this year to the two Six Senses resorts, see page 60). So, I shrug and respond humbly with answers like “there’s always something new to see”, and “tough job, but someone’s got to do it”.

Because do you know what, this job is tough! Long hours, constant deadlines, endless meeting schedules, intense pressure to deliver and an “always-on” social element with events. You hear me, right?

Like my job, that of a luxury travel advisor may look glam from the outside, but under the surface it’s go, go, go in the pursuit of excellence, but probably just being happy not to fail most of the time.

And that’s why I am so delighted that so many agents have got onboard with our new Top 20 Luxury Travel Agencies programme to share how they do such a good job. Whether that be taking care of colleagues while eyeing business strategy; planning the most amazing trips and offering legendary customer service; or forging supplier relationships.

I know how difficult it’s been to find the time to enter in a late-booking, perma-crisis ridden world of doom. And people really wonder why I love getting away to that island idyll so much! With all that’s going on in the world, I’m happy to wear my Maldiva badge with pride. I hope to be able to hand you a trophy that gives you huge pride too, at our Top 20 ceremony in November. See you there!

April Hutchinson
Editor, TTG Luxury
@aprilhutchinson