Strength and determination

“Jo is always there to solve any issue that may occur while leading her team with strength and determination.” Jo Fraser, Executive Manager of the Club Travel Franchise, says travel has been part of her life since infancy. She has spent nearly four decades in the travel industry. Born in Scotland, Fraser spent her childhood between South Africa, Nigeria and the UK, with family holidays across North Africa and Europe igniting a passion for seeing the world. She completed a Higher National Diploma in Business, specialising in travel and tourism, in London before embarking on her own adventures, working on a kibbutz, teaching English in Cairo and renting motorbikes to tourists in Crete. Fraser joined Club Travel after founder Wally Gaynor offered her an opportunity that would shape the next 35 years of her career. She progressed through the ranks as a travel consultant and branch manager before moving into marketing and, later, the franchise division. When she joined the franchise business in 2005, Club Travel had around ten ITCs. Today, the Club Travel family has grown to approximately 420 partners, alongside the recently added Sure Travel Group. Throughout this journey, Fraser says the highlight has been being part of a family, including colleagues and clients. “I can walk a mile in another woman’s shoes because I have walked that journey. I personally know my clients’ needs and frustrations, as I am first and foremost a travel agent.” Reflecting on her career, Fraser said: “Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing a travel agent become an entrepreneur and own their own business and thrive.”