Midweek Catch-up with Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau’s Megan Collins
This week we hit the slopes with Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau’s international marketing manager. And when we say hit, we mean literally. Ouch.
What’s your main goal for this year?
I would like to spend more time on the slopes this winter. Park City is home to two world-class resorts, Park City Mountain, which is the largest resort in the US and Deer Valley, a top-rated ski-only resort and together they have over 400 runs, so you can never spend enough time up there!
What’s your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?
The opportunity to travel and meet so many interesting and fun people from around the world while sharing wonderful experiences.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Outside, on the ski slopes, in the mountains, hanging out with my partner and dogs, working in the garden, planning adventures and exploring the food scene in Park City.
With so many restaurants focused on sourcing locally, menus are always rotating. I love an after-work gathering with some friends at the Alpine Social Club or OTC Cellars.
Have you managed to do any travelling since restrictions began to ease (domestic or international)?
During the pandemic, I travelled mostly locally within a 4-5 hour drive from my home (in Utah). We’re lucky that we live in an incredibly beautiful part of the world, and we were able to explore the mountains in our backyard and some great small towns with cool outdoor experiences.
Since then, I’ve been to Australia for my first sales mission back in May – it was so great to connect with the trade and meet them face-to-face for the first time and really understand the partnerships and fantastic work they do down here.
What’s your favourite travel company, besides the one you work for?
I love chatting with other mountain town destination companies. Every time I work with a new travel trade or wholesale partner and I learn about each destination they sell, it makes me want to work with them to plan my next trip.
If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose?
Alf Engen, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt.
What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the global pandemic hit?
The ‘we are in this together’ attitude from the travel industry has been wonderful to see. I feel like companies that haven’t traditionally worked together are now collaborating regularly and discussing how best we can work together and help each other in the future.
It’s also been great to see the increased focus on sustainability. For example, in Park City we have the most ambitious sustainability goals of any city in North America: use 100 per cent renewable electricity by the year 2030. We’re also working on a sustainability plan that we’re hoping to share with the public soon.
What’s your advice for others in the travel industry on coping with the global pandemic?
Keep your head up and stay positive. Remember at the end of the day, we are in the market of creating fun and memorable experiences and the demand that we’re currently seeing for travel is a really positive thing.
What book and/or TV show can you not get enough of lately?
I am loving Yellowstone and Big Sky. Can’t wait for the next seasons to start in the fall (spring in Australia).
Do you have any travel goals for 2022?
Utah is home to five incredible national parks, so I would love to visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the wintertime. I used to work at a ski resort and winter was a hard time to travel, but now I have a little more flexibility.
Next time I am in Australia representing Park City, I would like to make time to go see the penguins outside of Melbourne.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
interview Megan Collins midweek catch-up midweek interview Park City Park City Chamber of Commerce profile utah Visitors BureauLatest News
Top four airports report return to profit after post-Covid period comes to an end
The aeronautical operations of Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports returned to profit in 2022-23, the first full financial year since the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the ACCC’s latest Airport Monitoring Report shows. In contrast, all four monitored airports reported losses on their aeronautical operations in 2021-22. A return to profit was helped by […]
COMO launches new family-sized farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany
COMO Hotels and Resorts has launched its new farmhouse apartments in the heart of Tuscany, just in time for Australians to escape our wet winter. And it’s also an ideal time for Aussies of Italian ancestry to explore their home country as 2024 has been declared the year of Roots and Heritage Tourism by the […]
Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
The Townsville Airport Master Plan, including the expansion of the airport terminal and development of the surrounding precinct, has been given the green light by the Federal Government. The 2023 plan outlined Townsville Airport’s strategic vision and growth objectives over the next two decades, with a detailed focus on the initial eight years. Townsville Airport […]
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...
Ponant’s $2500 flight credit reward for polar expeditions booked by ANZ travellers
Tap into your inner explorer an save a couple of $K on flights? The trade-off will be frozen fingers.
Portugal, Spain or Morocco? Here’s how to spend a European summer in 2024
Hit a festival in Spain, enjoy a Portuguese tart or take in the raw beauty of North Africa. This feature has it all!
Vietjet’s summer lucky draw event, plus business flights slashed in half
It's not even winter yet and Vietjet's already talking about summer. We certainly aren't judging them!
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.