Midweek interview with Suzanne Hart, Director of SHE travels
The challenge for the industry is… Adapting to change. Our clients are much savvier than we give them credit for. We must continually improve, adapt and be flexible with our business model and service offerings if we want to continue to have healthy businesses. Change is good, we must embrace it.
The things I like about my job… I find the process of designing a program from initial concept is one of the most interesting things I do in my job. Researching and getting ‘under the skin’ of a destination is fascinating. And to see it come together, travellers on board, eyes wide open, having the time of their lives, is enormously satisfying.
And the frustrations are … Micro managers! If you contract an industry expert to do a job or manage a project, let them do it! Or do it yourself – simple really!
If I didn’t work in travel I would be… Working in hospitality, either in hotels or restaurants. Not terribly far from travel really! I began my working life in bars and restaurants and I’d go back there without any hesitation. Especially in Melbourne, we have so many fabulous options, wonderful restaurants and interesting, world class venues.
Virgin or Qantas? Qantas, mostly! I do like travelling Virgin to Bali though, the schedules are ideal and I like that they’re full service flights.
My proudest moment was… Stepping out on my own to start a boutique business in 2002. I’ve loved every minute of it, all that I’ve learnt along the way, the good times and the not so great. I’m very proud to say I’m still in business 12 years later, diversifying, working on exciting new projects.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was… Well, the one I can write about publicly! Arriving back to my hotel at 8.30am after a rather big night in Vegas! The walk of fame!
I try to relax by… Surfing. No one can reach me when I’m out in the middle of the ocean bobbing around on a board waiting for the next wave. It’s my ultimate freedom.
The last time I feared for my life was… Getting caught in a particularly large wave on Kuta Reef. It’s called ‘doing the laundry’, the tumbling under the water for what feels like ever, as the wave slams over you, not knowing which was is up. I did really believe for a moment that I might not live to tell that tale. It was terrifying. And a solid reminder of the power of the ocean.
If I can, I always try to avoid… Narrow minded, ignorant people who aren’t open to new experiences, different cultures, different opinions. Shame on them.
I really wish I had… Learnt to play the guitar. Or the piano. I played the trumpet when I was much younger but it’s hard to find one of those at a party!
The best advice I’ve ever received was… Treat everybody the same; speak to people in the same way, no matter whether they are the cleaner, or a company CEO. And remember your manners: please and thank you goes a very long way, and cost nothing.
I don’t understand why people… Can’t accept those who are different to themselves. Surely we should be embracing and celebrating diversity and all the joy that comes with a world of other life experiences? People should travel more.
My greatest weakness is… Tequila. Really good tequila.
And my greatest strength is… my gut instinct. If it doesn’t feel right, it very rarely ever is.
If I was prime minister I would… Give $2000 to young people when they turn 21 to be used only on travel expenses. Encourage them to get out there and see the world, live in another country, spend time with the locals, open their eyes and minds. Travel teaches you life experience you’ll never find in a university or classroom.
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… Spend a year travelling to places I’d never been, getting to know the oceans of the world. I’d take a great friend of mine who I refer to as my ‘social / green conscience’. She could help me find worthwhile programs to invest in, for the sake of our oceans and our environment, our futures.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… Customer Service Manager for an airline on a long haul flight. I travel a lot and I’m fascinated with the job these people do. They have the patience of saints! The professionalism required to deal with a planeload of individuals from every walk of life with nowhere to escape, that is a great skill set. Not sure I could do it but would like to give it a shot!
I’ve always wanted to travel to… Exotic locations – Costa Rica is top of the list right now. I’m very interested in the surf spots and spending some time exploring the country, and of course meeting the locals!
My favourite holiday was… Celebrating a significant birthday recently with some of my best friends. We travelled from New Orleans to Austin, on to Vegas and finished with a week surfing in Punta Mita Mexico. It was a fabulous 3 weeks.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!