Employee profiles

Olivia Medeiros decided to go into tourism by chance. “It looked interesting, even though my teachers tried to dissuade me by telling me I wouldn’t get to travel.” She went on to register for a Brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS, or advanced vocational diploma) in tourism, which was a two-year course. “I have never regretted my decision. There’s so much to do in this industry!”

Her career path can best be described as diverse. She started in the Commercial department at Vacances Transat (France) and then moved to the Online Travel Agency Production department. In 2006, she decided to switch continents and moved to Montreal. She found a job working in the Sales department of Jonview Canada, Transat’s incoming tour operator that offers tourism services in Canada to partners abroad. In a quest for variety, she held many positions before being appointed Brochures Co-ordinator. Her client: Vacances Transat (France). What a small world!

In conjunction with the Manager, Products, in France and Jonview Canada buyers, she selects products that are best suited to French customers. “The biggest challenge is understanding the demands accurately and responding appropriately.” She communicates regularly with the Manager, Products, in order to pinpoint the interests of French tourists and to test her ideas. Her next step is to see to it that the cost of the packages, tours or à la carte programs are set; then she prepares the product sheets that Vacances Transat (France) will use to produce its brochures.

“Every time I present a new product, I wonder if it will work. It’s stressful, but also very stimulating.” And what about the travel? Were her professors right? “It’s true, I don’t travel very much for work but Transat gives us many wonderful opportunities to go away on holiday.” This goes to show that there are some lucky coincidences.