Client Testimonials

Our clients' feedback is invaluable. It's not merely appreciated—it's essential to our commitment to excellence. Here's what some of our valued clients have shared about their experiences with ARTA Travel.

Planning across the miles –

I wanted to send you a note to let you know how much we appreciate the efforts of Joann Austin to provide us nothing but the very best service. We were dealing with a local travel agency in Pensacola when we met Joann (and Wally) on a cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox.

We were immediately impressed with her warm, caring personality and extensive knowledge of various destinations and cruise lines. We asked if she would work with us on our travel plans even though we were distant. She said sure and the rest is history. She has provided great advice and planning assistance to us on cruises to the Baltic, Australia, South America, French Polynesia, China and many more.

Our original opinion has only been reinforced with every interaction we have had. She is a true gem and we so enjoy working with her.

— Carolyn & Bob S., Pensacola, FL

When things don’t go as planned –

Over the course of the last several months we have had the pleasure of working with Suzanne Gardner in order to plan a trip to Germany. We found Suzanne through the American Express Travel website. During the planning phase Suzanne was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, always followed up and helped guide us as we planned the trip. We were extremely satisfied. Suzanne embodies all the characteristics of someone who excels in customer service. We expressed those sentiments in a survey which was sent to us by American Express where we documented our experience with Suzanne with the highest possible ratings.

Our last stop, during our recent trip, was Munich. We arrived in the late afternoon on New Year’s Day. We checked into the Hotel Excelsior and when we walked into our rooms we were extremely disappointed; actually that is putting it rather mildly. The hotel had been represented as a 4 or 5 Star hotel and we felt the rooms more closely resembled an old Super 8 badly in need of renovation. I won’t take the time to outline the issues we had with the hotel since the purpose of this note is to make sure you know how Suzanne responded when faced with very unhappy clients. We contacted the American Express Travel 800 number on New Year’s Day. American Express reached Suzanne and she contacted us immediately. She again demonstrated that, at her core, she is the essence of a person who defines excellent customer service.

The following morning, January 2nd, Suzanne had arranged for us to have a private driver take us to Dachau. By 9:30am we had confirmed that Compass Tours did not have us on their schedule and would not be picking us up. As you might imagine we were not pleased. I sent Suzanne a rather terse email regarding the mix up.

The reason I wanted to reach out to you is that it is my experience that you really understand someone’s commitment to customer service when things go wrong. As a small business owner I am keenly aware that generally speaking I only hear from our customers when things don’t go well and rarely do I hear when something goes right. I wanted to make sure that as the owners of your travel company you know that Suzanne Gardner’s actions reflect well, not only on her, but on your agency as a whole.

At every turn Suzanne acted on our behalf to rectify these situations. I am quite certain that had Suzanne not proactively worked to make things “right” for us we would have ended our trip on a sour note. Instead, solely because of Suzanne and the steps she took we returned as happy and satisfied clients and would not hesitate for one minute to contact Suzanne and your organization again to plan our next trip, which we believe will be this coming summer when we return to Germany and then travel on to Italy.

It is my hope that on our behalf you will recognize the outstanding job that Suzanne did, she represented your organization in a superior manner.

— Jay & Cindy J.

You went over and beyond for us! –

Just wanted to let you know that we are very thankful for your recommendation to Valentin Imperial Maya! We had such a great time and where shocked at how beautiful his resort was! Everything went so smooth I was shocked. It truly was so relaxing and enjoyable! We are already taking about planning next year’s trips to the same resort! They treated us like royalty at the Valentine and really went over and beyond to make sure every corner was covered to make our vacation was amazing! Everything was perfect for us to a T, we had amazing scenery, amazing shows, amazing food, amazing rooms and had just the right amount of night life! Thanks again for helping me make our vacation one to remember! We will never book through anyone else, you went over and beyond for us!

— Kimberly H.

Why use a travel agent? –

I just want to take a moment and tell you what a great associate you have in your office.

I just walked in on Friday, and never expected to receive the kind of professionalism and courtesy that was given to me that day. By the time I got home from your office I had received two scenarios of my trip that were perfect. I was able to then come up to the office in the afternoon with my associate, Ray, and book the itinerary.

Karen was amazing and quick, more important all of my needs were met. We were so pleased with Karen and your company and look forward to booking all of our domestic and international travel with Karen. When we got in the car to leave both Ray and I asked each other what have we been doing all these years without a travel agent.

Anyway, thank you for introducing us to Karen.

— Carol M.

This was over the top! –

You guys—what a fantastic trip you planned for us! The guides were incredible and we could have listened to them all day. In fact, Kimberly and her husband ended up not going with us to Jersey Boys, so we begged for Debbie, our guide from Thursday, and her boss, Reynard, to use those tickets, which they did.

Since we had to return a bit early yesterday, Debbie was able to make our harbor cruise happen on Thursday, which was perfect. The 9-11 Memorial was unbelievably poignant. It had been 9 years since my last visit to NYC, so this was an amazing transformation.

As always, thank you for your wonderful, professional planning! To quote Keith, “This was over the top!” We couldn’t have choreographed it better if we’d tried

— Margaret J.

Customs was so easy –

I wish to thank ARTA Travel for the great chocolates we enjoyed on our cruise and also thank Pam Silverman for a delicious bottle of red wine. Pam was great in setting everything up perfectly for us and this was a remarkable cruise to the Baltic. Our eyes were really opened wide on this journey – everything was stunning. The trip home was really uneventful going through customs in Chicago and SAS partnered with United and so it was so easy to walk through customs and twenty feet further we handed our bags to someone and we left terminal five and went to terminal one so easily. Thanks to everyone for their superb professionalism and management of our wonderful experience on Regents Seven Seas Voyager.

— Robert B.

Special details –

We had a wonderful trip! This time of year is amazing in Alaska! We had sunshine every day. The ship was great, our shore exclusions were fun and Charlie caught a 21 lb. King Salmon on our fishing trip!

Thank you so much for all your special little details. I notified them all and would say Joann did this for us! Dinner at the Murino was delicious! Thank you so much!

— Susan M., Realtor

Made every request attainable –

I wanted to reach out and let you know what a terrific help Dwayne King has been in planning my family’s trip to Italy. He has been a wealth of information as he guided us throughout the daunting process of where to start, what to do and when. Dwayne flawlessly has made every request attainable and always did so timely.

This trip is going to be so memorable and much to the efforts of Dwayne. I have already recommended your agency to others and especially Dwayne. Your company is fortunate to have him and I am so thankful that he has been the one helping my family plan this trip of a lifetime.

— Julie S.

35-Day Adventure –

Carolyn and I recently returned from a 35-day wonderful adventure to New Zealand and Australia that was seamlessly organized by Joann Austin. Throughout the process, she was always there to guide us, make reservations, ensure visa compliance and offer great suggestions. Our trip included air arrangements from Pensacola to Auckland, back-to-back cruises on Celebrity Solstice and air arrangements from Sydney to Pensacola along with lodging before and after. Other than truly efficient handling of all requests, we appreciate the fact that she has traveled extensively including a variety of cruises.

We first met Joann and Wally onboard Celebrity Equinox. We were so impressed with her extensive background knowledge and willingness to help and resolve any issue, we decided to shift our travel arranging to her instead of using a local travel agent in Pensacola.

We are looking forward to many future adventures arranged by Joann.

— Carolyn and Bob S.

Discerning group? –

It has taken me a few days to recover from the event and get things back to normal, but it was definitely a big success. The attendees had a great time and I received nothing but positive feedback about the experience. They were very happy with the hotel and the Thursday night cocktail party in particular, so thank you again for all of your hard work on setting those up.

— Justin M., Investment Firm

Fabulous trip for our membership –

Our thanks to you for all of the hard work in putting together a fabulous trip for our membership. In particular, we were most impressed with Royal Coach!!! They were always on time and so accommodating. We loved every minute of the trip — especially the visit to Raymond Vineyard and the Wine Train. Cuvee did a very nice job hosting us — both the welcome party and the breakfasts and the folks at the River Terrace Inn were delightful. We are passing along our recommendation to our Club so that they surely will use your services again — very, very professional!!!

— Betty

When thing don’t go smoothly? –

Often when we evaluate a business person’s ability, it’s not what they do when things are running smoothly, it’s how they handle adversity! You are a real professional in that you don’t get rattled, lose your composure, or lash out at the people who have dropped the ball. The group respected how you handled yourself.

It is a pleasure traveling with you! Thanks for a wonderful trip!

— Gerald

Successful Customer Reward Program –

As the Marketing Manager for a $1.8 billion construction materials organization, my time and my customers time are a precious commodity. Beginning Q1 of 2012, I began working with both Amy and Alese on our corporate Customer Reward Programs due to a complete failure in performance from our internal travel group. In our industry, incentives play a major role in manufacturer specification selection. Simple rewards, when done correctly, can “flip” projects in our favor with windfalls of between $50,000 and $1MM.

Alese has played a major role in ensuring that (10) ten of my top customers from across the U.S. had a vacation experience they will not soon forget. She handled everything from start to finish with professionalism and class. Her attention to detail has been phenomenal. I have received several calls from those same customers who have expressed their sincere appreciation for a wonderful trip, and the work Alese performed throughout the process. The all commented on her attention to detail and responsiveness to their needs. In fact, several have asked if she was available to assist them with their personal travel arrangements. For me personally, Alese provided peace of mind. Once she was provided the list of winners, I never once had to worry about the needs of my customers’ needs being met with the highest level of service. I will definitely use ARTA (Alese and Amy) for all future event planning and trip management. Both are tremendous assets to your organization.

— Michael D., Marketing Manager, Building Materials Company

Smooth corporate travel –

I want to thank you again for the ABSOLUTELY SUPERB job you and ARTA Travel did for us in getting us to Normandy France this past month. You fought through the March storm delays like no one else could have. Because of you, we had a very successful trip. We made the cover story of Army Magazine and our pro-bono leadership program is getting a lot of recognition. Again thank you!

— Sandy C., Leadership Consulting Firm

My job is easier –

Shout Out to Ann Dennis at ARTA Travel who extends a “Red Carpet” approach to Customer Service!

I manage all the travel for a local ISD, and Ann is the official Travel Agent assigned to our school district. We have come to rely on her attention to detail and her 1000% commitment to ensuring our school district employees and students are taken care of. My job is made easier each day knowing I have Ann on my TEAM!

— Shelly W., Local ISD

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