Midweek Interview with Nicky Ross, owner/manager Access Ireland and UK Holidays
The challenge for the industry is….selling ourselves and our expertise. Too often we don't get the message through that we provide service and advice, not just products on a shelf. I try to always include something in a package that clients can't find on the net, so it's impossible for them to compare prices.
The things I like about my job are….I'm learning all the time. As an owner/manager and "jack of all trades", I learn something new every day. The day I know everything is the day I retire…boring!
I am fortunate that I can try new suppliers and products, and it gives me a real kick to be offering something new to the industry. Plus, it's always a pleasure hanging out with the Irish Industry. They are just like Aussies with a funny accent.
And the frustrations….clients who continually ask me to beat prices on the net. I try to subtly inform clients that they wouldn't have found those quaint and unusual products if I hadn't recommended them.
If I didn't work in travel I would be….I always wanted to be a school teacher, then I had kids……
Qantas or Virgin?….Qantas for long haul, Virgin for domestic. I can live without a meal on a short flight, but give me lots of food on a long flight.
My proudest moment was….my proudest career moment was becoming a tour manager in Europe. We worked and partied hard, but I never lost sight of the privilege of travelling to so many destinations, and the opportunities for a future career. Personally – oh definitely having my two boys. They are wilful and totally out of control most of the time, but they are mine!
The naughtiest thing I ever did was…..I never kiss and tell.
I try to relax by….reading a good novel with a glass of sav blanc. I'm a total convert to e-books instead of tree-books.
The last time I feared for my life…the movie Jaws was a life-changer for me, so I eventually took my fear into my hands and gained a diving certificate…I was so petrified I never went in again.
If I can, I always try to avoid…pessimistic people. Life can be difficult at times, but I always try to look at the positives and turn negatives into a learning experience. Glass should always be half full (preferably with sav blanc.)
I really wish I had…lots of money and time to travel. If I think about it too long, I could actually get distressed that I won't live long enough to see and do everything on my bucket list. But I do appreciate everything I have done and seen and can't wait until my boys are old enough to take on the world with me.
The best advice I've ever received was….as a newly appointed general manager, my MD suggested I run the business as if it was my own. I've had some great mentors in this industry, and I try to put their advice into practice with my own business.
I don't understand why….some people don't want to travel. Are they mad?! There is so much to see, hear, smell, taste and experience.
My greatest weakness is….chatting too much with clients about their holidays. I have a client who has travelled with us many times and returns to visit relatives in Ireland each year. He is a solo traveller in his 70s and if I had a dollar for every minute we chat, I would probably earn more than I make on his bookings.
And my greatest strength….same answer really. This is a people industry and I invest time into itinerary development and choosing products to fit my clients' needs. We have an ever-growing list of returning clients and agents and an excellent referral rate.
If I was prime minister I would….No, please, anything but that! I like to get the job done and the red tape would be like a noose around my neck.
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would….employ a full-time manager for six months and travel with my husband and kids, but at a leisurely pace to really soak up the atmosphere.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be…right now, my 19-year-old niece. She is taking master classes in Latin Dance in Rio. She gate-crashed a Samba party on Ipanema Beach on the weekend. How cool is that?
I've always wanted to travel to….Bhutan. I was teaching tourism in Sydney and one of my students was a Princess of Bhutan. Her stories and photos have given me a yearning to travel to the country with the "Happiest People on Earth".
My favourite holiday was….I've had so many brilliant holidays, but as a parent, definitely Club Med Lindeman Island. They offered a great balance between family and couple time, and the kids really enjoyed the Kids Club. I particularly liked the all-inclusive package including drinks, and our bill on check-out was a pleasant surprise at $31 for golf balls and tees.
Latest News
Australian tourists are big spenders globally on experiences and nightlife, Mastercard report finds
Aussies spending one of every five dollars, or 19 per cent, on experiences and nightlife – significantly higher than the global average of 12 per cent, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute report on travel in 2024. Australia is also the 7th top destination for travel globally in the past year while in Australia and […]
Sydney confirms position as Australia’s No. 1 business events host
Sydney’s reinforced its position as the world’s preferred Australian host city, and top Australian city in the APAC region for international and local business events. Sydney secured 25th place in the worldwide ICCA city rankings and ranked 6th (ICCA) and 3rd (CVENT) in the Asia Pacific region. Tourism Australia also celebrated the ICCA 2023 rankings […]
Luke Mangan launches Bistrot Bisou, his first Melbourne restaurant in over a decade
Melbourne-born, Sydney-based chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan will open his first Melbourne restaurant in more than a decade this winter with the launch of Bistrot Bisou, set within the art-focused, character-filled Hotel Indigo. Set on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street, the relaxed French bistro and bar will feature modern takes on classic […]
Surf magazine Tracks hunt for grommets to launch Airb’n’b-style platform for surfers
Three young surfers on an all expenses paid surf trip on the Aussie coast.... What could go wrong?
Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts
Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will offer a gem of a cruise, as the new team shows by their pearly whites.
Memphis Tourism brings blues to Sydney as it adds Jack Daniels to sponsor roster
Memphis Tourism would win the award for coolest sponsor if there was one. But there isn't.
Jetstar and Qantas perception ratings soar following Bonza’s implosion
Forget what your mum told you, you can make yourself look better by making others look bad.
Train over Plane – Journey Beyond releases The Overland’s 2025 season
Clickety-clack, more than a century on track. Unlike the Overland, our poetry is not in demand.
AmaWaterways launches Australian operations at Sydney office with panoramic Harbour views
You should click on this article for the content but it's also okay if you just want to see someone cut a ribbon.
Travel insurance expert’s top 3 tips for Aussies stranded in New Caledonia amid riots
Despite appearances, being stranded in a luxury resort isn't all milk and honey.
Perfect Somewheres: Hotels.com celebrates best-in-class venues for guest experiences
Surprisingly, no hotels with bed bugs were represented in the top 1% of top hotels.
Airports boss says $1.7 billion Budget innovation fund will “kickstart” domestic manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel
Time to start saving up your waste - Australia is about to become a hub of biofuel innovation!
Apparent launches ‘All heart, no hassle’ campaign for Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller
Despite appearances, even the most severe-looking businessperson wants heart in their travel.
Indaba 2024: Losing out on memory, South Africa Tourism hands its fate to children
South Africa Tourism's chief marketing officer reminds us all we were once joyful children and not grumpy adults.
ACA & CLIA join forces ahead of Australian Tourism Exchange
Watch your back Kyle and Jackie 'O' - a new power couple is in town.
South Africa eyes affordable tourism to grow market
In an unlikely move, South African Tourism is actually encouraging young people to travel MORE.
ATIA applauds government’s fast-track passport announcement
Excellent news if you've ever experienced the sheer horror of realising you don't have a functioning passport.
DayAway names Aussie partners for luxury community based membership
Tired of dining with the riff raff? Get yourself a DayAway membership and slip into a life of luxury.
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Be prepared - this article has more silver than your local jewellers!
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
With images like these - you're bound to regret being asleep during Australia's version of the northern lights.
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
We aren't endorsing ditching your work to look at flights to Ho Chi Minh but we're also not not endorsing it.
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
Spare a moment to think about the cleaner who had to pick up all the confetti after this one kicked off.
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
We've done the monotonous trawl through budget reports so you don't have to. You can thank us later!
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless its announced at a big conference, then it'll probably be reported.
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, administrators look to maximise chance of survival
VietJet's making big plays in Australia but is drawing the line at buying a defunct airline.
Top four airports return to profit after post-Covid period comes to an end
If you feel like we just haven't spent enough of our lives talking about Covid, then boy is this the article for you!
COMO launches new family-sized farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany
COMO Hotels and Resorts has launched its new farmhouse apartments in the heart of Tuscany, just in time for Australians to escape our wet winter. And it’s also an ideal time for Aussies of Italian ancestry to explore their home country as 2024 has been declared the year of Roots and Heritage Tourism by the […]
Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
All things sounding positive for Townsville, apart from the fact its football team is playing like 10 year olds.
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...