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Readers’ lives: Kirsty Cannings

Excursions, emergencies and fun in the sun – resort rep Kirsty, 47, has helped thousands of holidaymakers since making Cyprus her home 10 years ago. Juliet Dennis reports.

My typical day at work involves . . .
I check my diary every morning to see what I have scheduled for the day. If there have been arrivals the day before, I will be meeting them to let them know how to get out and about in the resort and answering any questions about their holiday. I revisit other properties to catch up with guests and follow up on queries. After the morning visits, I go to the office to organise the excursions I have booked for guests that day and check for new bookings. Once a week I receive my arrivals schedule for the next seven days. I then finalise my schedule, write invitations for the meetings and collate our information packs. Once this is done I go home to eat and maybe get a nap. At 5pm it’s back to the hotels to catch up with guests from the morning. I love hearing all about their holiday and seeing them begin to switch off. On departure days I escort guests to the airport, where I chat to them at check‑in and ask about their holiday experience. Once they are all through, I go to arrivals to meet the new guests. Once everyone is greeted and on the bus, we set off to the hotels.

I’ve been working for Olympic Holidays for…
Ten years, and during that time no season has been the same. I absolutely love the variety in the role.

I became a holiday rep because…
I wanted to move abroad, explore other countries as a resident not a visitor, and I love meeting new people from all walks of life.

The most rewarding part of my job is…
Helping holidaymakers get the most out of their holiday. This could be just a general chat about the resort or using my experience as a resident to send them to places of interest that are not on the normal tourist trails.

The most challenging thing is…
Managing the expectations of guests in terms of the holiday they have booked. At Olympic, we offer 50 islands from 27 airports and a great variety to suit all budgets and tastes, so we work closely with our team in the UK to ensure that expectations set to the budget of the customer are as aligned as possible.

My favourite destination is…
Cyprus. It’s the place where I have felt completely at home.

The question I’m asked most is…
“What time am I being picked up?”

The worst thing to deal with is…
Family emergencies. I have supported guests through these more than once and it never gets easier. We are on hand for all situations, from events back home that require guests to return early, to a customer requiring medical attention. In the most tragic of circumstances, if someone passes, the practical and emotional support is crucial.

To relax I like to…
Explore the island, as I might find a new attraction to recommend to my guests. I also love walking, especially along the coast, but in the high season it is difficult to get time so I lie down in a cool room and listen to music!

Which one thing would you take to a desert island?
My husband, as I would go mad with no one to talk to.

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