Midweek interview with Tomas Malmberg, Sales Manager QLD & Northern NSW, Insight Vacations
The challenge for the industry is… Highlighting the value of experience in an age of online information
The things I like about my job are… Meeting travel agents from different backgrounds and various levels of experience, to find out what we can learn from each other. I also enjoy having a real trust in the product I represent which gives me more confidence and allows me to speak with sincerity.
And the frustrations… Because of the size of my territory, I don’t see all of the travel agents in my area as often as I’d like to.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be… an Archaeologist
Qantas or Virgin? I never burn my bridges or my upgrade opportunities!
My proudest moment was… When I overheard my three year old son Ruben telling his little friends at playgroup that I was his dad in a way that he thought they’d be impressed. He didn’t know I could hear him which is why it was special.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was… My wife Emmalita is the naughty one and she could fill a page with this question, hmmm, I did sneak into a business class lounge during a stopover once…I still feel guilty!
To give you an example about my wife though, she once took someone’s dog from their yard while they were out because she thought it was neglected – his coat was a bit knotted and dirty. So she took him home, washed him, shaved him and brought him back to his home just as the owners were returning after searching the neighborhood for their lost dog.
They thought she had found him and was bringing him back so were very thankful but couldn’t work out how he had got a haircut. She didn’t hang around to chat!
I try to relax by… Getting up early and having some quiet time before everyone gets up. I also like to take my son on bush walks not far from home and we try to get to Currumbin Beach (where I grew up) from time to time.
The last time I feared for my life… Driving in Cairo
If I can, I always try to avoid… Death by PowerPoint and judging people before I get to know them.
I really wish I had… A PA who could talk footy and do a business plan for me at the same time.
The best advice I’ve ever received was… Don’t take what you have for granted
I don’t understand why… Some people don’t push themselves out of their comfort zone.
My greatest weakness is… Remembering dates and numbers
And my greatest strength… Remembering names and faces
If I was prime minister I would… Have to learn how to not answer questions in a way that makes people think I have.
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… I don’t gamble but if I won a million I would help Owen Boyce, my Insight Vacations colleague in South Australia, establish a national school training program to help fight against racial intolerance in primary schools. It’s something he is passionate about which I admire him for.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Looking forward to being me again.
I’ve always wanted to travel to… Uganda to see the Mountain Gorillas
My favourite holiday was… With my wife on the small Croatian Island of Vis where the locals make a living growing lavender, making wine and catching seafood. Say no more.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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