Interview with Andria Violanti

VZT:  How did you get started in the travel industry? I went to school for travel and tourism at Niagara University. I was lucky enough out of all my friends to have a job waiting at home starting two days after graduation (didn’t seem lucky at the time though) However I have been here ever since going on 9 years in May.

VZT: Okay – so how long have you been in the position you are now? I have been a corporate agent for pretty much all 8 1/2 years. I was a trainer for our new employees for a couple of years but still remained an agent for part of my day.

VZT: Where have you been and what is your favorite destination? I have been to Spain, Grand Cayman, Cancun, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Chicago, San Diego, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Atlanta, NYC, and many parts of Florida  I would have to say my favorite trip was to Grand Cayman. It was a trip that we won through work and it was only 4 days long – but we were given the royal treatment! It was awesome and the beach was beautiful!

VZT:  What is the strangest thing that has happened to you at work? I had an angry client call me wanting to see if I would contact the airline to request a refund for one of his trips where he was seated next to an overweight person that apparently sweated on him. He was so upset by it that he thought he was owed money due to this experience. I thought maybe someone was calling to play a practical joke on me – but he was dead serious.

VZT:  What do you do with your free time? Spend time with my  family and friends. I am guilty of watching Reality TV and reading gossip magazines as well!

VZT:  And now – how about the personal info?  I am married – I actually met my husband here at Van Zile Travel. We were in the same training class. We dated for 6 years and have been married for  2 ½. We have a beautiful 1 yr old daughter Ava and a shih tzu named Max!

VZT: Words of wisdom? Always remember the importance of a vacation! :o)

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