Your Stories: ‘Despite facing significant challenges due to my disability, I have thrived in this industry’

Travelosophers homeworker Harry Wales tells Samantha Mayling that he is proud of his accomplishments and that travel professionals have a duty to ensure that every traveller feels safe, respected and valued 

Q. Why did you join Travelosophers?  
A. I set up Travelosophers By Harry Wales in August 2022. I had worked in an agency called Air Viceroy since 2012, but the pandemic put an end to that and I felt lost. They were like family. For a while, I worked with Ambassador Cruise Line but I wanted to sell holidays. Joining Travelosophers has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I knew Nisha Bean [business development manager] from previous roles. The help I have received has been like no other, with one-to-one support, training and business development. It has given me the confidence and freedom to build my business without stress and worry.

The help I have received has been like no other, with one-to-one support, training and business development

Q. What was your previous experience?
A. I worked as a holiday park bingo caller and in adult education. I then joined Teletext Holidays in 2006 and also worked for First Choice. Since my first holiday in Cyprus 19 years ago, I’ve had a passion and dedication for travel.

Q. Where are you based?  
A. I work from home in West Wickham, Kent. There’s a lovely high street with many coffee shops and pubs that open the doors for me to meet clients. I go up and down the road on my scooter to deliver tickets.

I stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies, and you never know when you need that contact that you’ve made

Q. How important are industry conferences and events?
A. I’ll go to the opening of an envelope! Friends and family think they’re a “jolly” but it’s the best way to gain an insight and share experience with the wider travel communities. I stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies, and you never know when you need that contact that you’ve made. As a homeworker, it’s good to meet people face to face. I have to plan everything, from the moment I leave the house, because of things like kerbs and public transport.

Q. What sort of travel do you sell?
A. I specialise in luxury tailor-made holidays; I love listening to customers’ wish lists and putting together bespoke itineraries. Some people are spending £30k on one holiday to make up for lost time. I use Sovereign Luxury Travel, Premier Holidays, USAirtours, Cyplon Holidays and Enable Holidays. One of my most memorable bookings was a large family trip to Vietnam; they were travelling from different locations, and it took a lot of planning. I made a booking to Disneyland Paris for a family whose daughter has a terminal illness. There were a lot of details to consider, but everything went perfectly and the positive feedback was heartwarming.

One of my most memorable bookings was a large family trip to Vietnam; they were travelling from different locations, and it took a lot of planning

Q. How have sales been?
A. I have noticed an increase in enquiries but some elderly clients are still a little apprehensive. People are also fitting a lot more into one trip. Some are shocked when you quote 2023-24 prices, as they still have pre-pandemic 2019 prices in mind. The US, Thailand and cruises are proving very popular and there is more demand for UK holidays.

Q. How much do you travel?
A. New York is very accessible and Cyprus is a firm favourite. Some countries are still behind the times when it comes to accessible travel. I went to Cyprus in April on a Cyplon fam. I was able to experience every part of the trip; nothing was too much trouble for Cyplon.

I went to Cyprus in April on a Cyplon fam. I was able to experience every part of the trip; nothing was too much trouble for Cyplon

Q. You’re shortlisted for the One to Watch award at this week’s Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards. How much does that mean to you?
A.I am truly honoured to have been shortlisted. This recognition means so much to me and serves as a reminder that our work is not just a job, but a calling to make the world a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. It is our duty as travel professionals to ensure that every traveller feels safe, respected and valued, regardless of their background or abilities. Despite facing significant challenges due to my disability, I have thrived in this industry. I am proud of what I have accomplished.

It is our duty as travel professionals to ensure that every traveller feels safe, respected and valued, regardless of their background or abilities

How has your disability affected your career?

I have muscular dystrophy, a muscle-wasting condition that affects my mobility. I use a wheelchair, mobility scooter and walking sticks. I never let it take control of my life and find solutions to any problems. Once when selling a New York holiday to a couple, we spent hours going through every detail – I have visited more than 10 times. As I went to the printer, they saw I used walking sticks – then started to question me and ask if I’d sold the correct holiday.

My passion for travel, dedication and hard work has allowed me to overcome any obstacles. I support the Emily Ash Trust, a lovely local charity that provides holidays for children with terminal illnesses. It’s challenging and rewarding. I can offer first-hand guidance for those travelling with accessibility needs. I use operators where I have good contacts so I can check things such as steps and showers. As a member of the disability and LGBTQ+ communities, I understand the challenges many travellers face. The industry has come a long way with accessibility and diversity, but there is still much to be done.