Home » News » Midweek Interview with Monique Ponfoort, Vice President Australasia, Compagnie du Ponant

19 March, 2014

Midweek Interview with Monique Ponfoort, Vice President Australasia, Compagnie du Ponant

The challenge for the industry is… Keeping up with product, destinations and technology.

The thing I like about my job is… Working for a chic French expedition cruise line with beautifully designed new ships. Nothing can beat it.

And the frustrations… Knowing that many potential cruisers don’t yet know who we are here in Australia. The trade is enthusiastically helping us change that.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be a… Ski Instructor in a European or US ski resort.

Qantas or Virgin? Qantas definitely. After 17 years with Qantas…I still call Australia home.

My proudest moment was… Giving birth to my beautiful children.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… I don’t feel confident answering this question to a broad audience.

I try to relax by… Swimming at Manly Beach with the family (as well as drinking French Champagne!)

The last time I feared for my life… Flying down a double black diamond ski run in Aspen – out of control and alone.

If I can, I always try to avoid… Big crowds – you can’t feel special in big crowds. Smaller groups are so much better.

I really wish I had… A helicopter – I could drop off the kids and miss rush hour traffic.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… From my dad. He said: “You will always be successful if you find something you enjoy, work hard, be courageous and never give up when things get tough. Above all, be true to yourself.”

I don’t understand why… It’s called rush hour when it lasts twelve hours

My greatest weakness is… Sipping French Champagne whilst watching the sunset from the back deck of one of our ships.

And my greatest strength… The ability to multitask – like any mother!

If I was prime minister I would… Lower taxes, reign in wasteful spending and spend more on better education for our kids and their future.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… Throw a huge party and then carry out a random act of kindness for someone less fortunate.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Barbara Streisand. A supreme voice, totally fabulous and the world at her feet.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Monaco for the Formula 1 Grand Prix on a private boat or ship.

My favourite holiday was… In Florence, Italy at the Hotel Villa Cora on the hill outside of the city – a great time with friends and family coupled with good wine, food and shopping.

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

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