The interview of Léna Le Gall, group sales specialist

Léna is THE made-to-measure lady at Receptour. Caring, attentive and always on the lookout for solutions for her customers, she takes her assignments very seriously. Efficient but discreet, Léna doesn’t like to be in the spotlight… except to tell us about her work and the team she adores, as well as her travel plans. Meet this passionate Breton who is celebrating 2 years in business.

Hello Léna, and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. Would you tell us a little about your background?

When I was little, my dream job was to be an airline pilot! But I couldn’t do it, because I’m not good at numbers and I’ve got poor eyesight, so it was a bad start for me. So I said to myself “why not become a flight attendant”?

So I decided to take a BTS in tourism, which I did at home, in Saint-Brieuc, Brittany. During my studies, I did internships in travel agencies, tourist offices and shipping companies, and I was keen to continue. I moved to the other side of France, to Burgundy, to do a professional degree specializing in territorial and international tourism.

I’m a very studious person, and as I didn’t feel ready for the job market yet, I went on to do a Master’s degree in Incentive Travel Management in Chambéry.

In the meantime, I’d realized that being a flight attendant wasn’t for me. Handing out tomato juice and spending my time in the back of a plane wasn’t what interested me most! (laughs).

At the end of the two-year course, I had a compulsory six-month internship. I have no idea why Montreal popped into my head, but I do know that I didn’t particularly want to stay in France. I wanted to go abroad for a while. My desire to join an incoming agency had always been there, and there had been some missed opportunities because of Covid, so I wanted to try my luck again. That’s how I got my start with ToundriGo, not with Receptour but with Think Incentive, the group’s corporate division.

And here you are today, full-time at Receptour!

Isn’t that great?

I was recruited by Patricia Oca for my internship, then an opportunity arose at Receptour, in the Sales department. Linda put her trust in me, and here I am, in the position of Groups Forfaitiste since October 2022.

I’m told that you and Camille (Operations Manager) have become inseparable, and that you’re planning a trip in a camper van!

You’re well-informed! (laughs)

Part 2 to be precise. Last spring, we were lucky enough to discover Vancouver Island in a converted van. An incredible experience that we wanted to repeat. We’re back on the road at the end of May. A camper van journey from Calgary to Vancouver, via the Rockies. All in 10 days. We can’t wait!

Canada is a huge playground, and I’m lucky enough to have a deep love for the destination I sell and represent on a daily basis.

What’s your day-to-day life like and what are your missions?

It’s true that I do quite a few different things, but first of all you need to know that I work mainly with Elorri, on the French-speaking markets.

I receive requests from agencies, process them and analyze their needs in order to propose the best solution. It’s important to understand what the customer really wants, and to have all the necessary information so that I can quote as accurately as possible. This involves e-mail exchanges or telephone interviews with the agencies, but the rule is always the same: every piece of information counts in creating a tailor-made holiday for travellers.

I then send the quote and the presentation to the agency, which comes back to me to begin the negotiation, modification and change phase. Once the file has been 100% confirmed, I hand over to the Operations department, who take over the logistics and reservations. Of course, as part of my duties, I have to liaise with our accommodation, activity and transport partners to get the best deals.

I work hand in hand with my colleagues in Operations, as I remain the main contact for the agency, with whom I build a bond of trust from start to finish. By the way, the file returns to my backyard for invoicing and post-stay follow-up.

Is one of Receptour’s strengths this cross-disciplinary approach?

Absolutely!

Every member of the team has an overview of all our projects at all times.

In the end, we keep in touch very often. In the open-space office, Manon has her desk behind mine, and it’s a daily ballet of moves to exchange ideas. Communication between us is one of the keys to our agency’s success, so we don’t allow ourselves to interpret or read between the lines (laughs). Similarly, if we have an emergency once the travelers are on site, I’m responsible for being the point of contact for the client agency.

What do you like best about working at Receptour?

I would tell you 3 essential things:

– The team

I feel like we’re just a big bunch of friends. It reminds me of my studies and that great feeling every morning. I get up and meet friends at 8am. I know I’ll be working in a calm, caring and friendly atmosphere.

– Management

I get on really well with management. There’s no problem with dialogue, either professional or personal if need be. It’s very pleasant to be considered and supported on a daily basis.

– The challenging aspect of the job

I deal with important files. When big bids come in and we try to win them, it’s exhilarating. It keeps you on your toes. You can’t rest on your laurels!

I feed off my confirmations (laughs). It takes a long time from an agency’s request to confirmation, so it’s always satisfying when all the indicators are green. I love the feeling of a job well done, and the excitement of knowing that you’re going to be taking people on a journey through your adopted country.

I know you’re originally from Brittany, but don’t you miss the sea too much? How are you getting on in Quebec?

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a chauvinist. I need to go back to Brittany, to see the sea, smell the spray and the seaweed. I have a very strong attachment to my region and for the moment, it’s still the place I call “home”. I need to go back there on vacation at least once a year, to get some fresh air and eat all the local specialities (laughs).

However, I feel very much at home in Montreal. It’s not for nothing that I decided to stay after my internship. I love the Canadian experience, there’s so much to see and do here!

Léna, what’s your favorite program, the one you recommend to your customers?

Without a doubt: the Auberge Eco-nature program!

It’s a multi-activity winter program at the Auberge du Baluchon, in the Mauricie region of Quebec.

In Canada, it’s quite complex to offer responsible holidays, because they’re obviously a bit more expensive and we still have to raise customer awareness. Personally, I’m very sensitive to sustainable tourism and environmental issues, and I’m delighted to be able to offer this certified eco-responsible nature establishment.

There’s everything on site: hiking, spa, horseback riding, gourmet dining with products from their own farm, they have beehives… It’s a favorite for me.

Generally speaking, what was your most memorable trip?

I’ve traveled to Asia a few times. I’d still say it’s the most memorable trip for me and the one I liked best.

Especially Indonesia, in 2018. I have very fond memories of it because over there, you’re confronted with another culture, a totally different way of life. First of all, you have poverty, which is much more present than it is in our everyday lives in France or Canada. I was touched by this contrast, where people live with very little, but still have an incredible joie de vivre and positivity.

And the smiles on their faces! I was really struck by that, by the kindness and openness of people towards you when you’re just a stranger passing through. It made me want to go back and consider living there for a while.

Thank you, Léna. Before closing this interview, I’ll leave you with the last word…

I’m glad I’ve managed to find my place at Receptour, both within the team and professionally speaking. I have a good relationship with my customers and I think Linda is happy with my work.

I’m also proud of the fact that I set up on my own in Canada just after graduating. I’ve become even more resourceful and have forged strong ties with my new adopted city. I can’t wait to see what’s next for me, but I’m confident!

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