Our People: Jaren Chen, Sale Manager (Leisure & MICE), Kuoni Tumlare

MY DAY-TO-DAY

Embracing a Dynamic Role in Travel and Sustainability

My role encompasses acquiring new accounts and maintaining existing ones to ensure our clients receive the best offers without compromising service quality. This position is exciting as it combines the art of selling with the opportunity to leverage expertise in promoting new destinations.

Beyond my daily responsibilities, I take great pride in my involvement with sustainability efforts. Sustainable travel has been—and will continue to be—a critical topic within the industry. As a responsible Destination Management Company (DMC), we have a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tourism development. To actively contribute, I joined the Kuoni Tumlare Sustainability Champions Network, collaborating with colleagues from various regions to develop ideas and implement initiatives that align with our core values.

One project I’m particularly proud of is our recycled soap initiative in Singapore. We repurposed used soaps into new products, extending their life cycle. What made this initiative even more impactful was that youths with special needs taught us the art of soap recycling whilst developing and honing their own skills. This experience allowed us to recycle, bond with our business partners, and contribute to a meaningful cause—creating a triple-win scenario!

 

WHY TRAVEL?

The Ever-Evolving World of Travel

Kuoni Tumlare has long been recognised for offering European-bound tours. What excites me the most, however, is the expansion into new markets in destinations such as Australia, the United States, Japan, and more. This allows us to explore new opportunities and cater to a broader audience.

Additionally, I am focused on tapping into new segments within the travel trade, such as pilgrimage tours, sports, and themed experiences like photography tours and influencer-led trips. Travel trends continue to evolve, and we must adapt to meet the changing demands of group travellers.

WHY KUONI TUMLARE

One Big Family

As a DMC, our responsibility extends beyond organising tours—we ensure the well-being of our groups while they are overseas. At Kuoni Tumlare, we truly function as one big family, with everyone working together—from our 24/7 customer service team to our partner suppliers and the operations department—all to ensure client satisfaction.

Being part of the sales team allows me to witness firsthand how our team handles last-minute changes with professionalism and efficiency, which continues to impress and inspire me. I am confident in promoting our products as I know our clients will be well taken care of every step of the way.

CORE VALUE

Innovation as the Key to the Future

Innovation is the core value that resonates with me the most. With the rise of technologies like AI, there has been much discussion about the potential for travel agents to become obsolete. However, I see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

In my view, developing new business models that address the needs of tomorrow should be at the heart of our efforts to add value for our clients. While there is an abundance of information readily available online, what truly sets us apart is the human touch—our ability to curate personalised experiences, source the best rates, and offer expert insights that technology alone cannot replicate.

PROUDEST MOMENT

Expanding South America Travel

I have been actively involved in selling packages to South America, and the process involves addressing many concerns before a deal is finalised—from ensuring the quality of our suppliers to guaranteeing excellent service while the group is on the road. Due to the time difference between Singapore and South America, we sometimes had to work till late nights to ensure smooth operations. However, the effort was worthwhile, as our close coordination with suppliers and clients resulted in exceptional feedback. Breaking new ground, rather than sticking to familiar routes, and instilling confidence in both colleagues and clients is something I take immense pride in.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION

The Magic of Mongolia

As an avid traveller, I often get asked this question. While I believe every country has something unique to offer, I am particularly drawn to exotic destinations, with the Republic of Mongolia being my favourite. The clear blue skies, vast grasslands, and the opportunity to stay in a traditional ger camp provide an eye-opening experience. Disconnecting from the outside world is also the perfect excuse to avoid emails when you are truly on vacation! Experiencing the local nomadic lifestyle is something I highly recommend.