Employee profiles

For many years, Sylviane Riblier’s work has taken her to sunny holiday destinations. As a representative for the Lookéa resort clubs, she has travelled from club to club, primarily in Crete, where she was involved with the opening of two establishments.

However, the enchanting environment does not mean it’s all play and no work! “People often think that a representative’s job consists only of welcoming vacationers when they arrive. The truth is, representatives are there to ensure that the hotel provides good-quality services, to help the entertainment team, promote excursions, solve any minor problems that may arise and try to minimize the more major ones, for the duration of the stay.”

When the situation turns sour – for instance,  when a strike paralyzes services or a quarrel occurs – it is up to the Delegation Manager, a position that Sylviane has held since 2007, to solve the problem. “When a representative calls me with a problem, I try to find a solution. However, very often, all I can do is give advice to help navigate through those situations.”

This support role continues on a daily basis as she is the link between the various services and the representatives, facilitating their administrative tasks. She is also responsible for recruiting and training the 10 or so new representatives hired every year.

Sylviane’s also works in the field: she organizes new excursions offered by local companies. “I really like working with people from different countries, and often, different mentalities. It’s sometime a major challenge to find common ground!”

The secret: excellent interpersonal skills. “Contact is very direct. We have to be able to express what is working and what isn’t.” She also has to be flexible in order to adapt to the very many surprises. “Working for a tour operator really isn’t half bad!” Sylviane says laughing. And, there’s that omnipresent holiday feeling…