Home » News » Midweek Interview with Anne Morris, Australian Representative, Vanuatu Tourism Office

3 December, 2013

Midweek Interview with Anne Morris, Australian Representative, Vanuatu Tourism Office

The challenge for the industry is… Delivering your destination message across multiple platforms in the changing marketplace. Digital mediums are making such a big impact on influencing consumer decisions. You have to be everywhere!

The things I like about my job are… The varied work in marketing a destination, the people I meet whilst in Vanuatu and the industry in Australia. I love showing agents and product managers the beauty and diversity of the islands of Vanuatu and leading famils.

And the frustrations… Not enough time in the day to do everything you want to do.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be a… A horse-riding instructor or have a career with horses in some capacity. I have been riding for over 20 years and there is nothing better than going trail riding or cross country riding to get away from any life stresses.

Qantas or Virgin? Either. Qantas codeshares with our national airline Air Vanuatu from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and Virgin also fly into Vanuatu from Brisbane.

My proudest moment was… One of them was reaching the top of a very high mountain in the Andes at 4,600 metres after the altitude was playing havoc with my walking ability. After a few wobbly moments (and the guide saying just 30 minutes more five times) I made it and cried with happiness.

Within work it is seeing agents have fun on our roadshows and dancing at the end of a fun event not wanting to leave.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… Well that would be telling!

I try to relax by… Sleeping.

The last time I feared for my life was… On a small boat transferring from a small island to a main island in the South Pacific – the waves were coming over and it was a hairy trip.

If I can, I always try to avoid… Being late – I hate being late for everything and even though I am lucky enough to have travelled a lot I am still that person that likes to get to the airport hours ahead.

I really wish I had… Learnt another language properly as I think it is key.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… Smile even when you do not feel like it. Smiling is infectious and you will soon be smiling for real again.

I don’t understand why… People drop rubbish and can’t just put it in the bin or take it home with them.

My greatest weakness is… Red wine and cheese.

And my greatest strength… Talking and networking.

If I was prime minister I would… I am not sure Australia is ready for another red head.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… Travel and take my friends with me. Then open a beach bar in Vanuatu.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… If this can be someone not alive – I would love to travel back in time to be a lady in the Victorian times to see what it would be like.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Nepal and India.

My favourite holiday was… Well, apart from Vanuatu and discovering more and more of the amazing outer islands and the island culture that is so close to Australia, the next best trip I did was after university when I travelled around South America with my backpack and no concrete plans – free to explore and change plans at a drop of a hat.

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