Midweek Interview with Visit Yosemite’s Therese Williams
This week, we visited the director of public relations and sales for Visit Yosemite Madera County and had a race with some mountain lions. Just kidding – only Therese encountered the mountain lions.
The challenge for the industry is…
There is no sector able to inspire people like the travel and tourism industry. The challenge is getting people to take their holiday!
The things I like about my job…
I love so many aspects of my job in tourism public relations and marketing, such as:
- Inspiring people to visit one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Yosemite National Park and its surrounding area the South Gate entrance accessed through flying in to Los Angeles or Fresno.
- Travelling is good for your health – I help people reduce their stress and other health issues by getting out and travelling.
- As an Australian working in California for Visit Yosemite Madera County, it is an honor to talk to Australians to visit this beautiful destination when I am home in Australia.
- I meet people from all over the world.
- I get to travel too!
And the frustrations are…
When I travel, the lines at the airport security.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be…
A school teacher. I thoroughly enjoy kids and teaching them.
Favourite airline…
Qantas. I have always flown with Qantas and I promised my mother if I fly, it would be Qantas only as it holds the top safety record. I do enjoy the Australian hospitality too!
My proudest moment was…
Marrying my husband, Paul.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was….
When I was a kid, my friend stole a cigarette from her father and we tried to smoke it behind a neighbors house. We didn’t inhale as we didn’t know how to smoke!
I try to relax by…
Hiking, running, cycling, swimming and traveling with my husband, Paul and our dog, Zoro.
The last time I feared for my life was…
Running away from mountain lions in my backyard. You never run from mountain lions but I was so scared that I did. I made it into the house safely to tell this story.
For context: I live in a rural area of California, called Mariposa, which is just outside Yosemite National Park. We have lions, coyotes and bears, oh my!
If I can, I always to to avoid…
Arguments instead listen with kind ears and arrive at a win/win.
I really wish I had…
A child.
The best advice I’ve ever received was…
Always take your holidays! I always feel rested after a holiday and more productive at work.
I don’t understand why…
People smoke.
My greatest weakness is…
Travelling.
And my greatest strength is…
My determination and not give up attitude.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would…
Buy a home in Sydney.
If I was prime minister I would…
As I currently work in the United States, I would implement a minimum four week holiday break for everyone paid as Australia has. In the United States it is two weeks.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be…
The person I am and becoming better every day and growing is my goal.
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
Spain and Greece and how can I leave out Italy to travel there again!
My favourite holiday was…
Hiking and camping along the Royal National Park. It is south of Sydney on the eastern coastline of Australia.
Coastal cliffs, secluded beaches and eucalyptus-rich bushland is what greeted us.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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