Pat Rochon, Outside Sales Manager pat@adventurecenter.com 1 613 292 8202
I’ve been promoting the concept of adventure travel to clients worldwide for over 23 years—most recently as a Manager with Adventure Center. I also teach adventure travel classes at the college level in both Ontario and Quebec.
Because I’ve travelled to over 117 countries across seven continents, I can knowledgeably introduce anyone to what the world has to offer at any level. I’ve presented travel talks to over 20,000 people, of all ages and interests, on the fascination of small group adventure holidays. My particular passions are sustainable tourism and humanitarian projects, so watch out—I’ve made it my mission to promote these concepts!
Bob Ruttan, Outside Sales bob@adventurecenter.com 1 888 456 3522 x504
Since I’ve been working in the travel industry for over 14 years, I’ve developed some pretty good destination knowledge. I have travelled to 35 countries and still counting—some trips I’ve taken solo with a backpack, some with Adventure Center tour operators. I have worked as a travel agent, I’ve gotten to know the travel industry across Canada while working with G.A.P Adventures, and learned everything I know about marketing from Tourism Australia.
My favourite experience so far has to be my trip to the Galapagos. Active day trips across various islands learning about the unique flora and fauna, snorkelling or diving on perhaps the most active sea beds in the world and relaxing onboard during sailings suited me to a ‘T’.
My second and third-favourite trips would have to be hiking in Nepal and a two-week overland safari in East Africa. Next on my agenda with be the Middle East, perhaps Jordan and Syria or maybe Turkey…hmmmmmm...Turkey.
Karen Bouchard, Manager Karen@adventurecenter.com 1 888 456 3522 x501
I started with the company right out of Travel College in 1983. I worked in the wholesale division before moving into the retail branch, where I was a travel agent and office manager for 25 years. This experience gave me a complete understanding of the retail environment, essential to my current role as the Manager of Adventure Center’s dedicated travel agent reservations office.
Through the years, I have had the opportunity to travel with quite a few of our tour operators to almost every corner of the world including Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, India, throughout Europe, the Windward Islands in the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and the remote South Pacific islands. I have taken a short break from travelling to raise my young family, but I am ready again to wander the globe on some of Adventure Center’s unique family departures.
Laura Derksen, Adventure Travel Specialist
My life and travel experiences led me to join the exciting world of Adventure Travel in May of 2008. Having lived in such diverse countries as Pakistan and Ghana growing up, I bring a unique and knowledgeable perspective to the Travel Wholesale team.
My first adventure as a member of the team was in Peru in September/October, 2009. A three-week overlanding trip, including a trek along the famous Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu, gave me in-depth experience of this popular South American nation.
My next adventure took me to the Himalayan wonder of Nepal in November, 2010. I had the opportunity to navigate the sights, smells and history of Kathmandu, hike among the Annapurna peaks, spend two days whitewater rafting on the Seti River and view the exotic wildlife of Chitwan National Park from the back of an elephant! Best of all was meeting the friendly and kind people of this mountainous nation.
On the horizon lies another trekking challenge, this time in Africa at Mount Kilimanjaro, where I intend to climb the Rongai Route in November, 2011.
Lisa Olsen, Adventure Travel Specialist
I’ve worked in the travel industry for over 20 years, mainly in a retail environment. I bring a great understanding of the travel trade to my job, which helps me to help you, our travel professional partners.
I have spent a lot of time over the years travelling to destinations around the world, and I’ve brought this experience to Adventure Center! Since joining the ranks here, I’ve gained even more travel experience, visiting some of the places that I’ve always wanted to go. In February, 2010 I ventured south to the warm waters of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and mingled with the diverse wildlife and geography of this unique destination. More recently, in January, 2011, I headed to another warm destination in Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania, where I participated on one of our most popular safari programs, the Kiboko Safari!
Julianna Guy, Adventure Travel Specialist (bilingual)
Growing up as an “army brat” allowed me to visit Europe during the five years our family stayed in Germany. Returning to Canada the travelling continued on lesser scale of grandeur, but the bug never quite left. In 1995 after what seemed a lifetime of staying in one place, I was once again offered the opportunity of travelling first to Mexico and the Caribbean, then graduating to South America, Europe and Africa.
I managed a Bed & Breakfast on the Mayan Riviera – learning Spanish along the way - before taking the plunge and becoming a retail travel agent in 2004. I’ve also worked as a training coordinator, translator and consultant in the industry and completed my certificate in Hospitality Management at Concordia University in 2009.
Over the years I’ve been privileged to visit over 30 countries on 5 continents experiencing everything from camping in Africa to backpacking through Central & South America and cruising the Caribbean. Already scheduled are a return visit to the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador and a first time journey to the Galapagos Islands.
