For TTC Tour Brands travel director Janita Nurmi, a career in travel is about far more than guiding guests from one destination to the next, it’s about connecting with people, bringing places to life and helping travellers create memories they’ll treasure long after the journey ends
What does a day in your life look like?
On tour, the day usually starts with greeting guests at breakfast and double-checking the day’s itinerary. Depending on the schedule, that might mean preparing everyone for an excursion in one of our destinations or making sure everything is ready for our departure to the next stop.
From there, my focus is entirely on the guests—making sure they feel happy, comfortable, informed and looked after. Throughout the day I’m answering questions, sharing stories about the places we’re visiting, helping guests make the most of their free time, and ensuring everyone knows what to expect next. Behind the scenes, I’m also confirming upcoming arrangements, coordinating with local suppliers, and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
One of my favourite things about this role is that no two days are ever the same. Every tour brings new people, new situations and new experiences. I’m constantly learning—whether it’s about our guests, our destinations, myself, or simply the world around me. That variety is what keeps the job exciting and rewarding.
What drew you to working in tours & travel broadly?
I’ve always worked in customer service in a variety of roles, and I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people. Every conversation teaches you something—about someone’s background, psychology, culture or worldview—and I find that endlessly fascinating.
I’ve also always enjoyed problem-solving and thinking creatively, which makes this career a perfect fit. Every day presents new opportunities to adapt, find solutions and create memorable experiences for our guests.
I truly believe travel is an important part of who we are. It broadens our perspectives, challenges our assumptions and teaches us things that can’t always be learned from a book. One of the greatest joys of my job is seeing our guests experience that sense of curiosity and wonder, and being able to bring the history, culture and traditions of each destination to life for them.
How does the approach to your job differ between Insight Vacations, Trafalgar and Costsaver? Are there different requirements between the brands?
At the heart of it, my approach never changes. Every guest deserves the same enthusiasm, respect and genuine care, regardless of which brand they’re travelling with.
That said, each brand naturally attracts slightly different types of travellers, with different expectations, travel styles and priorities. Part of being a Travel Director is recognising those differences and adapting your approach accordingly. It’s about understanding what each guest values most and tailoring the experience wherever possible.
That’s another reason I love this role. It constantly challenges me to be flexible, creative and responsive. No two groups are the same, and being able to adjust while still delivering an exceptional experience is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
What has been the most memorable moment for you in this role?
There are so many memorable moments that it’s difficult to choose just one. Every time I see a guest fulfil a lifelong dream—whether that’s standing on the Acropolis, watching the sunset in Santorini, swimming in the Aegean Sea, or simply visiting Greece for the very first time—I feel incredibly grateful to be part of that journey.
One moment that has stayed with me was when a guest fulfilled her dream of swimming in the Aegean Sea in Santorini. For a number of personal reasons, she never believed it would actually be possible. Watching that dream become a reality and seeing the joy and emotion on her face was incredibly moving.
Moments like that remind me that travel is about so much more than seeing beautiful places. It’s about creating memories, achieving lifelong dreams and experiencing moments that people will carry with them forever. Being able to facilitate those experiences is a privilege I never take for granted.
Through your work, how have you developed your knowledge and passion for the Mediterranean Islands, and what makes it special to share with guests?
I worked summer seasons on the island of Rhodes in my early twenties, and permanently moved from my home country to Athens 15 years ago. Ever since then I have just been more and more enchanted by the different characters and atmospheres of the Greek islands, and in general I’ve been learning continuously. Greece has such incredible depth—from its ancient history and mythology to its traditions, food and contemporary culture—and there’s always something new to discover, let alone the hundreds of islands there are to visit!
The islands, in particular, have always felt like home to me. They’re where I feel most at peace, and being able to share the places that made me fall in love with Greece is something very special. One of the nicest compliments I receive is when guests tell me at the end of the tour that they completely understand why I chose to build my life here—and that they hope to return themselves.
I also think my own experience of moving here helps me connect with our guests. I remember what it felt like to arrive in a new country where some customs, habits and ways of life seemed unfamiliar. Having once been that newcomer myself allows me to explain those cultural differences with empathy and perspective, often in the way I wish someone had explained them to me.
Helping guests not only see Greece but truly understand it is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
