Having worked at Avanti since 1990, Leigh has one of the most well-known names in the business. Her 34+ years of experience shines through with her deep knowledge of the industry, growing meaningful relationships with Travel Advisors and suppliers alike. She has been integral in shaping Avanti's Central & South America products since we first launched the Latin America region shortly after her onboarding. Leigh has a plethora of talents and interests, not only having extensive travel experience with over 60 trips south of the border and beyond, but her diverse hobbies – from flamenco dance to volunteering at LanSu Chinese Garden – make her the interesting, multi-faceted person she is today. Learn more about Leigh and her insights below!
Tell Us About Your Years at Avanti: 'When I was first hired at Avanti in 1990, we were a very small company that sold solely European products. Within just a few weeks of starting my position, the CEO at the time decided to launch new destinations across Central and South America. This is around when American Airlines acquired new Latin America routes from Eastern Airlines as they went out of business. Following this, we were making contacts with tour operators and got introduced to local suppliers across that region. I pretty much immediately got placed into a regional role, and I have been a Latin America Specialist ever since. Most of my years have been spent grouped into the Reservations Department, where I helped create bookings and trained our staff. Now that we have a whole new team of Destination Specialists, we work closely with the Product Team to push out our Central and South America offerings and services.'
What Excites You About Avanti: 'The scope of what we offer is very impressive, and we are always growing. This past year we started offering products in the South Pacific as well as expanded what we have in Asia, and it's very exciting. We are always aiming to broaden the business and seeking out creative ways to do so. It is never boring at Avanti because we are continuously adding to our resources and increasing our knowledge. I love educating our staff, working together, and watching our business develop over the years. I also love building relationships with Travel Advisors and receiving positive feedback about their clients' trips. They make me feel connected and important in what I do.'
Tell Us About Avanti's Latin America: 'Avanti is highly unique in the way we work with our suppliers, especially when it comes to Central and South America. We have close relationships with our local suppliers, so when your clients travel through us, it's like they are traveling with family. We have been working with some suppliers for decades, and we have strong quality control. I've visited the region twice a year over the course of 30 years and at this point I have experienced about 90% of our Central and South American products first-hand. I stand behind everything that we sell. We are very selective of our products, not only ensuring that it meets a certain standard, but that we support local economies.'
What Is New Within Avanti's Latin America: 'As I mentioned briefly, we now have dedicated Destination Specialists who bring their deep-seated knowledge, working exclusively with Latin America bookings. In tandem, we have also just launched our Regional Websites where Advisors can book through a dedicated online planner, find different types of customizable and non-customizable fixed-price packages, as well as peruse resources such as brochures, featured tours, and hotels.' Check it out at LatinAmerica.AvantiDestinations.com!
What Avanti Trips Have You Gone On: 'Although I have done a few Educational Trips with office members, most of my travel to Latin America has been with our suppliers to experience our products first-hand. For many years I regularly attended several travel shows in the region. I’ve gone on Galapagos cruises, gazed at moonlight over Iguassu Falls, seen rare wildlife in the Pantanal region of Brazil (where wildlife viewing is more accessible than in the Amazon). I have hiked the Inca Trail, enjoyed the sounds of night critters from jungle lodges, and explored fascinating Easter Island. Each experience is equally thrilling and unique in Latin America.'
What Are Some of Your Travel Recommendations: 'The first time I went to Chile, I was so blown away by its amazing scenery and culture. It’s a fascinating country. When I got back from my trip, I immediately told everybody they needed to go, but I find that it's still extremely underrated. Many people want to go to popular destinations like Costa Rica (which I love) or Belize, but Chile to me is one of the best places you can visit in Latin America. I want to do everything I can to talk it up, and I hope it takes off some day as a popular destination!'
Thank you, Leigh, for sharing your insights, and for all that you do for Avanti!
