We talk to the Director of sales & marketing, Australia for World Journeys.

The challenge for the industry is…

(Putting aside an alien invasion, or Earth being destroyed by a flaming meteor and the like…)

Keeping it real.  The media is quick to sensationalise global occurrences and to create unnecessary fear in the marketplace.  An example is Africa.  People don’t want to travel there, though there are many locations, including in the West that are still suitable and safe to explore and enjoy.

The things I like about my job…

I’m loving meeting people and telling them about World Journeys and seeing their eyes light up (with delight!) …

And the frustrations are …

Talking about all of the wonderful destinations and really awesome products, but not being able to get to them all myself!  (fortunately someone back at the office has)

If I didn’t work in travel I would be…

I’ve just returned to travel having been in the corporate world for many years and I can honestly say I’m so pleased to be back!

Virgin or Qantas?

Virgin Australia – have been an avid supporter for years, believing their brand has evolved to a truly quality offering.

Though if you were to ask me about my favourite airlines….

My proudest moment was…

I was pretty chuffed to get employed by British Airways in the UK and work for them for many wonderful years…

The naughtiest thing I ever did was…

1. Never done anything naughty
2. Too many to choose

OK – Once travelling by taxi with a girl friend in India, we got stuck in a hot and sticky traffic jam within a large bustling market.  I shoved her satchel up her top and she proceeded to scream as if she was giving birth.  It certainly did the trick with everyone making way quick smart (as we, including the driver, fought back hysterical laughter).

I try to relax by…

Easy  J   In no particular order: Shiraz, cooking, gardening, downloading tunes, movies, time with friends and watching TV.  Oh no, not TV (I don’t have one).

The last time I feared for my life was…

Aside from a very turbulent flight last year, I really thought “my number was up” when I got extremely ill (I’m sparing you from the details) from a parasite and bacteria (yes, double whammy) I picked while in the depths of Costa Rica.    Would I go back?  Absolutely.

If I can, I always try to avoid…

Being late. Rushing.  Buffets.  Lamb.  The Business Lounge at peak hour. Places that don’t have “Tap & Go”.  Trying to go up an escalator coming down.  Believing everything I read on Trip Advisor.

I really wish I had…

A faster metabolism

The best advice I’ve ever received was…

Probably, never get interviewed for a travel trade publication.

I don’t understand why people…

Aren’t a happy and considerate species (like meerkats, they always seem on top of their game).

The human race appears more time poor than ever (despite there being just as many hours in a day), immersed in emails & mobile devices, and not living for the moment.

The continual advancement of hip & happening technology to make our lives easier and more enjoyable isn’t making us feel more fulfilled and elated.

My greatest weakness is…

Cheese (good ol’ fashioned strong cheddar, Jarlsberg and have surprised myself of late, really enjoying some blues)

And my greatest strength is…

My innate character to want to do the right thing for people.

If I was prime minister I would…

Resign.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would…

Negotiate time off, book all the destinations in our new brochure that I haven’t been to and do a stint for Volunteer Services Abroad.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a…

Awrh, I know I should say something upbeat, though I keep coming back to my Mum.

I’d like to give her a day when she’s not suffering the ailments and pain associated with old age and could joyously gallivant around like she was years ago…

I’ve always wanted to travel to…

Persia & the Silk Road (I hope this is the part that my Directors are reading!)

My favourite holiday was…

Of recent times, definitely a private tour of Sri Lanka where I did local cooking lessons (from early starts to the vibrant markets for fresh produce, even going out to sea fishing, to then being in the company of families, sharing the wide variety of delicious & newly introduced dishes.  Also visits to Havana and Beirut certainly top my charts.