When you work with Super Holiday Tours, you’re part of the family, so we wanted to shine a spotlight on our incredible team members, how they joined the world of student travel and why they do what they do.
To start, we want you to meet Jennifer Cooper, General Sales Manager with a Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) accreditation. She’s been with SHT for over 15 years, and in the travel and hospitality industry for even longer.
Here’s what Jennifer had to say:
How did you get started with Super Holiday, and what has been your journey since then?
I started working with Super Holiday Tours in August of 2006. I was a Sales Coordinator at a Ramada in Kissimmee, Florida. Super Holiday used our property for their student groups. They had received good reviews from their clients in how I assisted their groups while on property. At that time, they were experimenting with the idea of a sales coordinator, so they asked if I would come in for an interview—and the rest is history!
What is your role at Super Holiday now?
My current role here at Super Holiday is General Sales Manager. I assist everyone in the day-to-day activities to provide our clients with a memorable experience.
Why do you do what you do?
Seeing the “Wonderment” of the students once they arrive at their destination makes what I do a rewarding experience. I can relate to some of the students that travel with us, as my childhood did not afford me the luxury of traveling. Seeing the world through their eyes brings me back to my youthful years, and I am happy I can be there for their “first look” so to speak. What I have enjoyed the most is the lasting relationships developed over the last 15 years working at Super Holiday Tours, from the family unit we’ve cultivated here at SHT, to industry colleagues and clients all over the world.
Do you have a specific travel highlight?
I would have to say my big unforgettable trip so far was the visit to the Greek Isles. The food was delicious and fresh, and the archeology and mythology of Ancient Greece was an eye-opening experience for me. Being able to see with my own eyes what I have read and seen in books about Greek mythology right before me had me speechless. If there is anything you should know about me, it’s that I am not the quiet type. 😉
What do you want educators reading this to know about student travel?
Student travel is transformative. It opens their eyes to a more diverse world that they had imagined. It shows them to be more tolerant of other people and their viewpoints. It gives them the opportunity to be intellectually curious in and outside of school.
What’s one place you’d still really love to travel to? There are many places, but the one that stays ever present in my mind is a National Geographic Expedition Trip to see the elusive Narwals.
When you’re not planning trips or taking trips, what do you enjoy doing?
When I’m not traveling, I find myself spending a great deal of time with my loved ones and family. We love going to the beach, enjoying the local activities, and watching movies! My quiet time involves me snuggling up to a book or watching K Dramas!
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
While being newly married and my children are now into adulthood, I plan on seeing the world with my husband.
Connect with Jennifer Cooper, CTIS at Jcooper@SuperHoliday.com.