Tauck has been able to provide quality guided tour and river cruise experiences for nearly 90 years due in large part to the focus the company places on giving its customers an unsurpassed experience.
The family-owned Norwalk travel company seeks to deliver a more fully-inclusive, premium-quality travel experience than its competitors, with more exclusive insider access.
“A typical Tauck journey includes upwards of 100 different vacation components all built into one transparent, easy-to-understand price,” says Sharyn Cannon, senior vice president. “And the quality of those components — meals in fine restaurants, accommodations in five-star city center hotels and luxury resorts, elegant cruises aboard state-of-the-art riverboats — helps to ensure a superior experience.”
Cannon says that although Tauck’s itineraries are extraordinary, the real differentiation is the common sense of purpose among the company’s employees and their ability to adhere to extremely high quality standards and live by Tauck’s commitment to do everything for its guests.
This loyalty does not stop with the customers. Tauck is equally dedicated to ensuring its nearly 200 employees are well taken care of. While it does offer a comprehensive, cost-effective benefits package, Tauck goes well beyond the basics.
“We make every effort to treat our employees with the care and concern we would extend our own family members, and with the graciousness and respect that we extend to our guests,” Cannon said. “Both in and outside of HR, our company knows the importance of being there for each other and not just providing a job but an environment comprised of trust, respect and thoughtfulness.”
“We want to treat our employees in the same manner in which we expect our employees to treat our guests, with a ‘Wow!’”
Valuing its employees’ time, Tauck seeks creative ways to assist them in managing that time. During the holiday season, the company gives a “gift” day off for employees to use however they wish and provides a free gift-wrapping service in the office.
In addition to offering generous incentives to travel on its tours and cruises, Tauck is committed to enriching the lives of its employees by stressing health, well-being and respect for work-life balance. In 2008, the company unveiled the Tauck Healthy Living program which includes onsite health fairs — with available flu shots, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings; onsite Weight Watchers meetings; access to a free onsite fitness center, Wii Fit room and yoga classes; annual mammogram screenings; and free fresh fruit provided to staff every day.
Tauck is also expanding its training & development program to include Rosetta Stone language courses, presentation and business skills training.
Michael Marino, director of product delivery and training, is quick to sing Tauck’s praises — and he should know a thing or two having been with the company for 33 years.
Marino says efforts to recognize achievements, creative suggestions, many employee activities, lots of food, frequent surprises, and constant benefit updates make employees feel very valued.
“Travel is a ‘happy’ business, and Tauck is a leader in the industry,” said Marino. “The family ownership and feel of the management has long fostered a comfortable and collaborative environment.”
