Midweek interview with Gordy Bayne, Head of Travel, Scoopon Travel

The challenge for the industry is… our customers are and more educated & smarter than us. Our commitment is over deliver on ‘enriched experiences’ that they just have to buy. Sell the dream!!

The things I like about my job… working in a culture where customer is KING. Our mantra at Scoopon Travel is ‘the customer is not always right, but they are still the customer’. I love it when my Product Managers are able to educate our ‘partners in business’ on our model and how we can find solutions to some of their challenges.

And the frustrations are … The ‘travel category’ is doing very well at Scoopon Travel however we are committed to educating Hotel DOSMs, GMs, Revenue and Channel Managers on our measurable, quantifiable and successful model.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… a judge on ‘My Kitchen Rules’. I think that ‘Gourmet Tourism’ is alive and well, obviously Tourism Australia’s currently marketing campaign. Australia offer some of the best produce, wine, experience and service in the world and we need to celebrate that more in everything we do!!

Virgin or Qantas? I hate ‘fence sitters’ but I am going to on this one because I actually love both the brands & service. Virgin where key sponsor at ATE this year and their staff where exceptional, their inflight offering, seats and service are solid. Qantas, I think I have had the best service EVER on any airline with Qantas. The domestic flight staff are great as well as the trans-tasman. I am a Qantas Frequent Flyer and love collecting my points so I am a big fan!!

My proudest moment was… winning the CLIA Australasian – Campaign of the Year award 3 times. What cruise holidays offer clients are so diverse. This year I did an Oceania cruise and if that doesn’t convert you to a cruise holiday, I don’t know what will!

I try to relax by… my pool on my Overwater Bungalow at the gorgeous St Regis Bora Bora, Tahiti. NOTHING will ever beat drinking Veuve in the pool looking out to the water. Put it at the top of your list to do ONCE in your life, save for it and then enjoy every moment with someone special.

The last time I feared for my life was… I have a ‘fear of flying’ I know…. go figure!! so every time I get on a flight I tense up but someone said to me I don’t have a fear of flying, I just have a fear of economy class because when I am in Business class, I’m fine.

If I can, I always try to avoid… judging a book by its cover. Give everyone the opportunity to SHINE. Be kind and look after people. Good manners is something our mothers taught us, let’s not let them down!!

I really wish I had… the desire to climb Mt Everest. I’m a kiwi so Sir Edmond Hilary is our HERO. Unfortunately right now I couldn’t think of anything more painful. In saying that I camped in the Serengeti last year and did Machu Picchu last month so I am getting more adventurous!!

The best advice I’ve ever received was… ‘always’s be humble Gordy..’

I don’t understand why people… don’t make travel a priority in their life. Everyone deserves ONE nice holiday every year. Everyday life can be so hard for so many people and I would love to see more people seeing what we get to experience in the travel industry.

My greatest weakness is… Cosmopolitans, Passion fruit Mojitos, Veuve.

And my greatest strength is… my ability to build a relationship’s with people and deliver on my promise.

If I was prime minister I would… make sure that every child lived in a safe environment with plenty of food.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… would enjoy some travel with my friends and family. I love a charity/trust called ‘Upside Downs’ which is supports the costs for parents with Down Syndrome children and the tutoring that they need to speak, communicate and eventually be 100% self- sufficient.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… teacher. Teachers do so much for our children and are not rewarded enough. I know they do it because of their passion and I would love to be part of that again. As adults we forget how cool & fun primary school was.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… India. Next on my list!!!

My favourite holiday was… Zambia in Africa. I had the opportunity to experience the Royal Livingston Hotel which is a Sun City Hotel. Speed boating down the Zambesi River to check in, G&T’s on arrival, taken straight to the massage tents on the Zambesi River and then dinner under the monkey tree. The next morning we did the Micro lights over the Victoria Falls. You can literally touch, smell and feel heaven.

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