Entering the Expedia Cruises office in Sidney, youB次元官网网址檙e immediately drawn to the enormous floor-to-ceiling wall map of the world, which dominates the room. The continents and countries in different shades of blue are enticing, promising exotic locales and adventures.

The map, appropriately, is the main element of a spacious travel agency with six light-coloured wood desks holding computers and guide books and brochures with photos of striking travel destinations.

Seated at one of the desks near the back is a smiling and welcoming Elaine Kirwin. Two other staff are present B次元官网网址� more than youB次元官网网址檇 expect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been tough,B次元官网网址� Kirwin says. B次元官网网址淔or about 13 months now we havenB次元官网网址檛 had any income. As you know, travel has been hard hit, especially cruises. ItB次元官网网址檚 been a shock that this pandemic and economic downturn has lasted so long.B次元官网网址�

ALSO READ:

She says two things have kept the business going: B次元官网网址淔irst the government has been very good with support for both rent and salaries. Keeping us in business was smart because once things get back to normal, weB次元官网网址檒l be able to work and pay taxes. ThatB次元官网网址檚 good, because tourism is huge, forming 10 per cent of the economy. The second is that I love this business. I love travelling and learning about new places. Being in this office is never boring. I have no plans to retire for quite a while.B次元官网网址�

Kirwin arrived in Sidney in 1988, having spent her earlier life in Saskatchewan and then Calgary. The travel bug entered her bloodstream early, probably influenced by living among polar bears and beluga whales for four years in the northern town of Churchill, Man. She speaks affectionately of seeing sheets of northern lights sweeping majestically across the sky at night, as well as the unusual-but-lovely sight of swans gliding elegantly among icebergs.

The Expedia Cruises office started in 1992. Kirwin responded to an opening in 1994 and, although not having had any experience in travel, was immediately successful, captured by the magic of exotic places and the pleasure of helping and working with people. In 1997, she purchased the franchise and since then has built a dynamic and successful travel business.

She resides in Sidney, close to the office.

B次元官网网址淭his is a wonderful place to live with good schools and everything so accessible,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淎nd itB次元官网网址檚 a great location for a people-oriented business because I meet a lot of my clients around town.

Kirwin has three daughters, all grown and who have each developed their own lives and careers. One, Heather Wood, followed in her momB次元官网网址檚 footsteps and became the manager of the office in 2019.

Pointing to numerous trophies lining one part of the wall below the enormous world map, Kirwin said, B次元官网网址淥f the approximately 270 Expedia offices in North America only about 20 have become Diamond Centres, and we are one of them.B次元官网网址�

Kirwin points to two traits needed to achieve the distinction: people skills and hard work.

And where are KirwinB次元官网网址檚 favourite places to travel?

B次元官网网址淓urope is my favourite destination,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淎nd I especially love Portugal. The people are friendly and the food and wine are delicious. I really enjoy river cruises because you get close to the region and learn so much about a country.B次元官网网址�

She also launches into a glowing description of a tour she recently took in Vietnam and Cambodia: B次元官网网址淚t was beautiful, Vietnam is a wonderful country. Parts of Cambodia, with the sad background of the killing fields, was moving and thought-provoking,B次元官网网址� she adds.

When asked when people will be able to start thinking about travel again, Kirwin says they are already starting to see bookings. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 an incredible pent-up demand which will explode soon. By spring of 2022 travel should be back to normal and tourism will really take off. ItB次元官网网址檒l be fast and furious.B次元官网网址�

ALSO READ:

She said Alaskan cruises are already starting and Expedia Cruises recently offered an ultra-long, 47-day cruise in Europe, involving five ships in 18 countries. B次元官网网址淧re-COVID, this package would barely have sold. Now, however, even though the tour isnB次元官网网址檛 until 2023, it sold out in one day when offered in February. ItB次元官网网址檚 amazing.B次元官网网址�

And when the post-pandemic rush arrives, Kirwin will be ready. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e staying busy training, learning about all the cruises, tours and destinations B次元官网网址� yesterday I was on three Zoom calls so we can handle the furious business when it comes later this year.B次元官网网址�

Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.

Follow us on and and like us on