Gizem Gencer
I've been working as a travel agent since 2000. Within years I've become more aware of and experienced about being organized, punctual, patient as well as a good listener, having the ability to remain calm under pressure, being good at time management and detail-oriented and having communication skills aimed at understanding the travellers' needs which lead a travel agent to plan and provide corresponding services.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Mainly Istanbul and the west of Turkey."
How did you get involved in travel?
"For being interested in learning about different cultures, history and languages, I made my mind about working in travel business when I was 14. I had the chance to interact with tourists visiting Cesme, where I would spend summer holidays every year for 3 months at a 5 star hotel where my uncle and aunt worked. At the age of 21 I had the chance to set up a boutique travel agency where I worked in every single department for 20 years, mostly sales and management, preparing travel itineraries, researching traveller requirements for various destinations in Turkey, handling flights, hotels, excursions and ground arrangements."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Although I usually work in the office in front of the computer, I also enjoy making time to join some of our tours with our guests. Once I accompanied a group of 70+ year-olds who were travelling with their 94 year old mother. Spending time with her for a day increased my admiration to her as she was eager to see more, learn more and have fun as much as she can. I was 24 then and she's been one of the people in my life who has inspired me. Just like the Australian aboriginal proverb goes; "We're all visitors to this time, this place. We're passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love..and then we return home." So why not observe more, learn more, grow more and love more before returning home?"