360 In Conversation With – Emily
My love for travel blossomed from my parents’ adventurous life at sea, a childhood in Andalusia, and frequent trips to Morocco. They all enriched my cultural understanding. Speaking four European languages deepened my connection to different places. With a Swiss Hotel Management degree, I worked with renowned hotel groups globally. 360 Private Travel, an account I managed for years, enticed me with its exclusivity and like-minded club community.
1. Tell us about your travel background and what brought you to 360?
My love for travel blossomed from my parents’ adventurous life at sea, a childhood in Andalusia, and frequent trips to Morocco. They all enriched my cultural understanding. Speaking four European languages deepened my connection to different places. With a Swiss Hotel Management degree, I worked with renowned hotel groups globally. 360 Private Travel, an account I managed for years, enticed me with its exclusivity and like-minded club community. When I married and decided to move to Belgium for family and to raise our children in the serene Ardennes forest, I approached 360. Thankfully, they welcomed me in, and I’ve never looked back. It perfectly aligns with my passion for travel and connecting with others. Thrilled to be a part of the 360 family!
2. What does a typical day look like for you? – Can include the ‘normal’ parts of life too, family etc
My day begins early with email checks before the kids wake up. I care for the horses and chickens, and collect eggs for family breakfast. Once the kids are out of the house, I start work on designing trips, speaking to clients, meeting suppliers, and supporting our European team’s growth. Occasionally, I look up from my computer to spot a deer, foxes, or hares wondering past my office window! If weather permits, I will put what I’m doing on hold and go and ride my horse through the forest. Evenings are dedicated to family, but once everyone is fed and settled, I usually work from the sofa while my husband watches movies.
My role takes me to cities like Brussels, Luxembourg, Amsterdam and Paris to visit suppliers, attend events and meet new aspiring partners. I also visit London to collaborate with our HO team. Occasional Fam trips too, which are vital to my job.
It’s very fulfilling to blend work, family and nature’s beauty, and that’s what I love about working with 360 Private Travel.
3. What is the best part about managing, building, and being part of a growing presence in Europe?
It’s shaping a thriving travel landscape. Witnessing team accomplishments and building strong relationships with partners brings satisfaction, and a sense of belonging. Embracing challenges fuels personal and professional growth. Being at the forefront of an evolving industry enables innovation and creates unique experiences. It’s fulfilling to make a lasting impact on travellers’ lives and deliver unforgettable journeys. Overall, contributing to the growth in Europe is rewarding and allows us to share our vision and joy of travel.
4. What makes 360 unique in their approach to the IC model?
They foster an exclusive club feel, uniting like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, and creating a strong sense of community. Unlike traditional set-ups, 360 provides extensive hand-holding and nurturing, ensuring members receive comprehensive support and resources. With a network of 120 likeminded people based across the world, members have access to a wealth of knowledge and can trust each other’s recommendations. This collaborative environment empowers us to excel and deliver exceptional travel experiences. The combination of exclusivity, camaraderie and dedicated support makes 360 a unique and exceptional platform for independent travel advisors to grow their businesses. This is without even mentioning the amazing partnerships for unparalleled client benefits 360 Private Travel has negotiated for its members.
5. How do you anticipate growth in your region?
As the demand for high-end travel continues to rise in this region, I anticipate steady growth by nurturing strong supplier partnerships, expanding our network of like-minded individuals, and providing exceptional service to clients. We will adapt to evolving travel trends, and invest in continuous training to stay at the forefront of the industry. By understanding and meeting the unique needs of our clients, I’m confident we will seize opportunities and sustain a thriving presence in the European region.
6. What traits and experience do you look for when recruiting new 360 Partners in your region?
We seek individuals who desire full flexibility and embrace joining a club of like-minded people. We value candidates who prioritise building meaningful connections and trust among the community, relying on each other’s advice and expertise. Flexibility, openness, and a passion for creating exceptional travel experiences are essential traits. Moreover, we highly value candidates who have a solid network of potential clients, as this will contribute to the growth and success of our exclusive travel community. Additionally, we welcome candidates from anywhere in Europe, as our platform offers opportunities to thrive in the travel industry across the entire region.
7. What is your favourite destination, your next trip, and dream getaway?
My favourite destination is Brazil due to its diverse offerings, from beautiful beaches to lush jungles, unique experiences, warm, welcoming people and vibrant cities. As for my next dream destination, a recent trade show inspired a twin centre trip. I envision starting with a thrilling desert safari in Namibia, exploring landscapes on horseback and viewing animals, followed by a few days in St Helena, where Napoleon was exiled (a stunning island right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean). The journey would offer cultural immersion, exhilarating hikes, beach relaxation, and deep-sea fishing. And would be unforgettable, of course!
