Midweek Interview with Swati Vaghjiani

Travellers Choice’s first ever digital services supervisor takes some time to talk cut-through, Canadian loyalty and a fear of fairgrounds.

The challenge for the industry is… Achieving digital cut-through in a very noisy and competitive market. It’s not just about what you do but how you do it that is going to make the difference.

The things I like about my job… I’m really enjoying the challenge of my new role as Travellers Choice’s first Digital Services Supervisor because I’m in a position to help guide the evolution of our network’s digital marketing strategy. One of the most refreshing and liberating aspects of my new job is that I can also spend as much time as I need supporting individual members – previously I worked for digital marketing agencies where I had to send clients bills broken down in 15 minutes time slots!

And the frustrations are… The vast majority of our members understand the value and benefit of embracing digital services and technology, but occasionally I need to explain, and finding the most effective way to communicate can sometimes be a little frustrating.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… Working in a digital marketing agency providing digital marketing advice, or project managing large-scale web development projects.

Favourite airline? Being Canadian, I’d have to say Air Canada! I flew them recently and was still impressed with their service.

My proudest moment was… Receiving a heartfelt thank you from an unpredictable client that was high value but also high flight risk. It was incredibly satisfying to receive a personal message and flowers from him thanking me for my dedication to his business over the years.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… It really depends on what you consider to be naughty. It’s a subjective concept. I’m very much of an introvert so really would need copious amounts of alcohol to disclose any information on this!

I try to relax by… Reading, yoga and spending time with my two kids.

The last time I feared for my life was… On a fairground ride with my kids. I have never liked rollercoasters and honestly thought I was going to pass out from the fear!

If I can, I always try to avoid… Running. The are other ways to exercise.

I really wish I had… A teleportation machine to easily jump from country to country to catch up with family and old friends.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… “We are not saving lives.” It was good advice recently provided by my manager because it provided much-needed perspective when in the midst of a crisis.

I don’t understand why people… Are not more sympathetic to the current refugee crisis. We have a responsibility to help those in need and when we do it contributes to improving the quality of our own lives and our children’s lives.

My greatest weakness is… Dark chocolate & red wine.

And my greatest strength is… I like to think it’s my empathy, however, my kids may disagree with that.

If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… Pay my mortgage – that’s the boring and practical option. The fun and frivolous option would be to blow it on jewellery, handbags and shoes, a cliché I know. But honestly if I did win the lottery I would be completely immobilized with the stress of the decision!

If I was prime minister I would… Improve maternity and paternity leave for mothers and fathers. They need to be supported.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… An anthropologist – I toyed with the idea in university but didn’t have the guts to seriously consider it. I wouldn’t mind giving it a go.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Brazil.

My favourite holiday was… My recent holiday with the family to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu – it was the perfect balance between big city hedonism, resort relaxing and jungle exploring.

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

digital midweek interview Swati Vaghjiani travellers choice