Midweek Interview with Joe Karbo, General Manager, Excite Holidays

Midweek Interview with Joe Karbo, General Manager, Excite Holidays
By admin


The challenge for the industry is… dealing with another GFC or a global terrorist attack. Maintaining domestic consumer confidence is key to a healthy travel & tourism industry.

The things I like about my job are… the amazing people I work with. Such an innovative & fun environment with great owners (George & Nic).

And the frustrations… patience, learning to understand that certain things can take some time to develop. Also working with a volatile AUD.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be a… a famous DJ.

Qantas or Virgin? – ahhh Tiger?

My proudest moment was… I’m not married or a father so I’d say when I get married or have kids. Up until this point my proudest moment has been giving up smoking 14 years ago.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… sorry – I can’t disclose anything to the industry J.

I try to relax by… training, meditating & bikram yoga.

The last time I feared for my life… was during turbulence on a flight from HKG to SYD. I love travelling but admit I always fear the worst on a plane especially when it’s dipping amongst the clouds. Even though the chances are extremely slim on anything happening, it’s still scares the life out of me– but it’s not enough to ever stop me from flying on the next trip.

If I can, I always try to avoid… these type of interviews.

I really wish I had… a crystal ball to make decisions… and hindsight in reverse.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… the truth always comes out & things do catch up with you – karma!

I don’t understand why… some people post every meal they eat at a restaurant on Facebook.

My greatest weakness is… hoarding, I’ve really got to learn to let go of certain things.

And my greatest strength… knowing that out of something bad there can still be something good to learn from.

If I was prime minister I would… reduce income tax and increase GST – a fairer tax system based on expenditure not earnings.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… buy a new car, invest, travel, donate to charity & save.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… the Invisible Man. The mind starts to ponder…

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Montreal, Canada to practice my French.

My favourite holiday was… my first time on the Greek Islands in the 90s when there was no Euro, only drachmas. My first time in Paris with always be memorable as well.

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