Guardian Business: Can you briefly describe your experience in the tourism sector and what your role is today?

Petula: I am presently manager/vice president of airport services at Copa Airlines, promoting the latin market to The Bahamas. I have been in this exciting career for more than twenty years in capacities as supervisor of customer service, station manager and sales and marketing executive. I have participated in many trade shows here and afar promoting my country.I have excelled in customer service here at the airport to maintain our clients, and most importantly, I have also lectured in the evening at a college, teaching the young and old about this exciting career path.

GB: Why did you choose to work in tourism as a career?

Petula: I chose this career path because of my passion to interact with people and my love of travelling. I have taught the travel procedures course, where students learn the Sabre system (used by many travel agencies) for booking reservations, hotels and cars.Most importantly I have taught individuals why it is important to continue to obtain knowledge in this career path and be the best customer service oriented individual to maintain clients in this advanced technology era. With the advancement of booking online, it takes away from the one-on-one personal experience, so one must be dynamic in maintaining your client base.

GB: What has been your most memorable moment?

Petula: My most memorable moment was when I was nominated overall employee of the year, beating many of my peers in more than 12 other stations, and receiving such high accolades from the president and CEO of the airline in 1991.

GB: Has the industry changed since you started your career? How?

Petula: Basically, it has been smooth sailing since I started. I have imparted my knowledge to all of my co-workers, which made our station the best in the region.I have worked in sales and marketing in corporate aviation, where I contributed my talents on the Aviation Council Board in promoting business aviation in our country and participated in many trade shows abroad with our Ministry of Tourism Aviation marketing team. I have also travelled throughout the European, Canadian and U.S. markets and obtained many big clients for our private airport FBO (fixed base operator), and most importantly, to The Bahamas.

GB: What should The Bahamas focus on to stay competitive?

Petula: We need to work on sharing our knowledge for succession planning. I intend to impart my knowledge on the younger individuals that have chosen this path and advise them to continue to be honest, walk with integrity and be very attentive to customer needs. The airlines always train new individuals to its standards and policies, but you must have a passion to go the extra mile each and every day.

GB: What advice would you give to a young person who is considering a career in tourism?

Petula: I would advise a young person to have a love for people and service, as love is the spark that kindles the fire of compassion, and compassion is the fire that lights the candle of service.

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