Somerset Woman Celebrates 26 Years as TUI Rep in Mallorca

Diana Winskill, originally from Somerset, has embraced a life-changing journey since her arrival in Mallorca as a TUI representative in 1999. What began as a six-month assignment has blossomed into a remarkable 26-year career, where Diana continues to welcome British holidaymakers with enthusiasm at the Globales Santa Lucia hotel.

Over the past seven years, Diana has become a familiar face for many travelers. Each day, she greets and bids farewell to hundreds of guests, fostering connections that go beyond mere transactions. “I came here when I was 23 for what was supposed to be six months,” Diana shared. “I met my English-born husband Chris here, we had two daughters, Imogen and Amelia, and I’ve now lived in Mallorca longer than I ever lived in the UK.”

In her extensive career, Diana has witnessed the evolution of British holiday habits firsthand. While many aspects of travel have changed, some traditions endure. “Brits still absolutely love their all-inclusive holidays,” she noted. “Knowing everything’s included means they can really indulge and not worry about extra costs. And then there’s bingo. Without fail, we have our loyal customers who love their bingo every evening. That’s never changed in my 26 years.”

Diana has also observed significant shifts in the preferences of British holidaymakers. There is a growing desire among travelers to engage in experiential travel, immersing themselves in the local culture rather than simply lounging by the pool. “Excursions to see the markets in Mallorca are getting much more popular,” she explained. “People want to get out and experience the local culture they’re in, and TUI has so many options with local guides who know the island back to front.”

The most substantial transformation during her tenure has been the advent of technology. “The TUI app has revolutionised everything,” she remarked. “Customers now get all their transfer times and can book experiences directly on their phones. When I first started, we wrote everything by hand and phoned through excursion bookings.”

Despite the digital advancements, Diana emphasizes that face-to-face contact remains vital in the holiday experience. “Welcome meetings are still incredibly popular,” she stated. “In a world where everything’s going digital, people still love asking questions and meeting in person. Sometimes you just cannot replace human contact. We focus on ensuring we have the knowledge and know-how of the destination to help ensure our guests have the most memorable holidays.”

Located between the beaches of Son Matias and Palma Nova, the adults-only Hotel Globales Santa Lucia offers stunning sea views from each room and is just a five-minute walk from the local town. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools, a sociable buffet restaurant, and two bars, providing an inviting atmosphere for guests.

Diana shared a memorable interaction with a customer who expressed her appreciation, stating, “One customer told me she’d been back four times this year just to see me because I make her holiday so special. That’s what makes this job incredible.” She believes that being a TUI representative involves more than just selling holidays. “A lot of people think we’re just salespeople with a smile, but you have to be so well-rounded. We support people when things go wrong, but we’re also there for the magical moments. Holidays mean so much to people.”

Even in winter, Mallorca boasts an average temperature of 13 degrees Celsius, with beautiful sunshine gracing the island. “My colleagues have become my family, and honestly, working around people on holiday is infectious because everyone’s so positive,” Diana remarked.

For those considering a career as a TUI representative, Diana offers straightforward advice: “Just do it. You might end up falling in love and completely changing your life, like I did. Travel is the best education in the world. I couldn’t sit at a desk. I want to speak to people face to face. The customers love the connection, coming to tell us about their day and thanking us for our recommendations. That’s really satisfying.”