Staff at Courtney World Travel tackled severe flooding to manage a hectic start to the January booking peak.
- Tewkesbury faced significant flooding, causing residential evacuations and road closures, impacting local businesses.
- Despite the floods, the agency remained operational, thanks to resourceful transportation solutions implemented by staff.
- Commitment to customer service saw many clients visiting the agency in person amidst challenging conditions.
- The robust historical building of the agency suffered minimal damage, sustaining operations effectively.
Staff at Courtney World Travel displayed remarkable resilience as they navigated severe weather conditions to maintain operational continuity during a traditionally busy period. Positioned at the confluence of the River Severn and River Avon, Tewkesbury experienced considerable flooding which resulted in residential evacuations and the closure of several key roads. Despite these challenges, the agency managed to continue its operations, underscoring the dedication and resourcefulness of its team.
The agency’s managing partner, Stephanie Jepson, demonstrated commendable leadership by utilising her 4×4 vehicle to transport colleagues to the office, ensuring the agency remained functional even as water levels in the River Severn exceeded 4.7m following Storm Henk. The agency adapted to conditions by prioritising remote communication with clients, yet was surprised by the number of clients who braved the floods to visit the office. This influx of visitors highlighted the loyalty and dependability of their customer base.
Courtney World Travel’s historic building, designed to withstand harsh conditions, saw minimal flooding impact with only minor water ingress in the cellar that eventually drained without causing damage. Jepson, reflecting on previous floods in 2007, remarked how the current situation was more manageable, attributing the building’s resilience to its historical architecture. Despite this, the staff faced challenges such as missing industry events, such as the Aito Agents KickStart Conference.
Jepson acknowledged the “bonkers” nature of the business during this period, yet remained optimistic given the surge in bookings, including strong sales for cruises and destinations such as Mauritius and Europe. The agency reported that the previous year was their best on record, and hopes remain high for continued growth. Staff dedication, combined with robust local infrastructure, enabled Courtney World Travel to maintain customer service excellence under trying circumstances.
Despite severe flooding, Courtney World Travel demonstrated resilience and adaptability, maintaining customer service standards.
