Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Coyle
Hi Bill, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Travel has always been an important part of my life. My parents started our travel agency, Encompass the World Travel (ETW) in Parma in 1986. After ten years in business, my sister and I took over leading the company and we moved to a new location in Parma. Seeing a need to service our expanding market in Medina County, we opened a Brunswick location in 2009. At the time my sister and I became owners in 1996, we primarily sold airfare. As the industry changed, we’ve moved from mainly selling air and corporate travel to now specializing in leisure travel–all-inclusive resorts, tours, river cruises, and other getaways. Today with our retail office in Brunswick we have a team of six travel agents, serving a community of over 5,000 clients!
In late 2015, I joined KHM Travel Group where I currently serve as Vice President of Agent Engagement. The move to partner with a host travel agency helped us continue to grow Encompass the World and offer our clients even more great vacation experiences. For me personally, it’s been so rewarding to share my own experience and what I’ve learned over the years to help independent travel agents operate their own businesses across the country.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are so many factors that impact the travel industry, from world events to political changes, weather, and who could have imagined a worldwide pandemic and the disruption it would cause for travel. But despite any challenges, people will always make it a priority to take a honeymoon, family vacation, or other trip they’ve been dreaming about. Budgets may grow or shrink as changes happen, but the resiliency of the travel industry has helped us still connect people to memory-making experiences. There’s a lot of common misconceptions about travel agents – what we do, how we are paid, and even that we still exist. A big part of our job is educating people on the extra value that only comes when booking with a travel agent who cares about your vacation as much as you do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Encompass the World Travel – Owner?
At Encompass the World, our goal is to help people to see the world at a price that is affordable for you. We do this by getting to know each of our clients, so they feel taken care of from the time they walk in our door or give us a call, to the time they return home from their vacation.
We plan honeymoons, cruises, family vacations, multi-generational vacations, European tours, and even trips to Disney. We are passionate about helping travelers experience the wonders of the world and create memories that last a lifetime!
All our agents have traveled extensively themselves and are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about travel. We truly enjoy sharing our firsthand experience and photos. Encompass the World Travel is also proud to give back to our community and are involved in several local charitable initiatives and sponsorships.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
As a travel agent, adaptability is huge. The changes I’ve seen since I started where just airfare was the main draw to get people in the door to now where we’re planning multi-itinerary vacations, luxury trips, and custom tours–there’s a lot to keep up with. And one of the ways we do this is through education. Even though we have 50+ years of combined experience, we’re still taking advantage of opportunities to learn what’s new with destinations, resorts, or cruise lines so we can better serve our clients.
Pricing:
- Encompass the World Travel will work with you to plan a vacation that fits your budget and matches your unique needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://encompasstheworldtravel.com and https://khmtravel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khmtravel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etwtravel and https://www.facebook.com/khmtravel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KHMTravelGroup
