Home » News » Midweek Interview with Dave Callan, Wotif product manager, North Queensland and Pacific Islands

3 October, 2012

Midweek Interview with Dave Callan, Wotif product manager, North Queensland and Pacific Islands

The challenge for the industry is… the strong Aussie dollar, the rising cost of living and us working longer hours. People are finding it more and more difficult to take time out and when they do, discretionary spend is limited. The challenge for us is to create that spontaneity again to encourage people to holiday in their own backyard.

The things I like about my job are… the fact that I work for an Australian owned company and a Queensland born company. We offer a very competitive rate of commission to support our accommodation suppliers and I also get to travel a fair bit which is good fun.

And the frustrations… easy. We’re too desk bound in this day and age. I wish I had the time to sit down one-on-one with all my smaller suppliers at least once a year to show them how to get the most out of their online presence. There is sometimes a degree of uncertainty with websites but most of the time it’s more just a lack of understanding.

If I didn’t work in travel… I would be a sports commentator!

Qantas or Virgin?… I can’t split them, they’re both excellent, probably Qantas, just. It’s our national carrier and gave birth to Jetstar which has been the most successful low cost carrier in this region ever.

My proudest moment… was becoming a dad in November 2010.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… What kind of a question is that? Next!

I try to relax by… trying not to think of all the naughty things I’ve done in my life! If that fails, I like to play golf.

The last time I feared for my life… was when I was flying home a few months ago and we were on final approach into Cairns. We got the most shocking turbulence. It was horrid. And when you’re not in control of a situation that’s when you fear for your life!

If I can, I always try to… avoid complainers, what’s the point?

I really wish I had more… time for golf!

The best advice I’ve ever received was… never argue with a man who is shouting.

I don’t understand why… people watch American sitcoms. I just don’t get it.

My greatest weakness is… not being able to say; “No I’ve had enough to drink thanks, it’s time to go home.”

And my greatest strength… always making it home after forgetting to say “no I’ve had enough to drink thanks, it’s time to go home.”

If I was prime minister I would… follow through on all my election promises, whatever they are, and I would never mislead the public.

If I won $1 million on the lottery… I would make sure my family is looked after and play more golf!

If I could be someone else for one day… I would be the opposite sex. Maybe by being in their shoes I can begin to understand them.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… this one’s easy. I’m an animal lover and I’ve always wanted to see the gorillas, so Uganda I guess or any African nation that is lucky enough to have these magnificent creatures.

My favourite holiday was… Boracay in the Philippines. If you haven’t heard of it, Google it.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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