Name: Fadi Abu Rashed
Position: Inbound & Events Consultant
Age: 31
Time in travel industry: five years and counting...
Time at the company: 3 years

What’s the biggest booking you have ever made?
A government account from the CIS worth AED 1.5 million!

What is your ambition?
I consider myself a partner of Utravel so my future is tied to its future and my ambition is to grow with the company. I want to expand my network of clients; and be the “go to guy” for the UAE inbound market.

Where’s your favourite place to travel to and why?
Antarctica. I haven’t been but it's a place like no other, calm and serene. Clients say it is addictive and you want to keep going back.

When have you gone ‘above and beyond’ for a client?
I had an arrival to Sharjah who brought the wrong passport which did not match her tourist visa. She called me panicking at midnight on Friday. I immediately took off to Sharjah Airport, making phone calls on the way. By 5am I had solved the situation and got her out of the airport. Until this day the client keeps thanking me and sending Utravel gifts and souvenirs from her country!

How do you feel about being nominated ATN’s gent of the month?
I am honoured to be recognised by travel professionals I look up to. I would also like to thank ATN for providing continuous inspiration and up to date industry insight.

What do you love most about your job?
Making new connections on a daily basis and making my clients happy by going above and beyond for them regardless of the time of day.

What's the worst thing about being a travel agent?
The bittersweet feeling of being on your toes 24/7. At any moment things can go wrong and you need to be prepared

What advice do you have for anyone who want to be a travel agent?
Be patient, good things take time. This is not a hit and run business.

Fadi was nominated for Travel Agent of the Month by Basel Abu Alrub, managing partner, Utravel:
“Fadi has been with Utravel since the start, through tough and good times, always ready to assist even if it falls beyond his duties. We consider him our safety net and always rely on him to deliver results even in the toughest situations. He is not a regular employee, but one of our partners – loyal, honest, with only the best intentions towards our family company.”

To nominate someone for Travel Agent of the Month please email: monika.canty@itp.com