Home » News » Midweek Interview with Anjali Chandra, National Groups Sales Manager, Insight Vacations

20 November, 2013

Midweek Interview with Anjali Chandra, National Groups Sales Manager, Insight Vacations

The challenge for the industry is…. The growing number of overseas travel companies popping up online who are attracting travellers to book direct and undercutting travel agents.

The things I like about my job are… Utilising Insight’s buying power and vast product range to create unique custom group itineraries. From gardening trips, Anzac Day Remembrance tours, school and incentive groups, each day I am working on a new and exciting itinerary that is being individually tailored for them.

And the frustrations…. Try finding accommodation on Venice Island during the film festival!

If I didn’t work in travel… I would be an architect focusing on residential builds in challenging landscapes that are environmentally friendly.

Qantas or Virgin? Both; however, I’m also very grateful for the increase in competition. Also it means we’re able to secure outstanding priced airfares for our guests such as earlybird airfares.

My proudest moment was…. Workwise it would definitely be creating tours for an event that had almost 3000 guests! Overseeing such a large movement on a global scale from beginning to end was strategically challenging at times; however, the rave reviews from passengers made it all worthwhile and very satisfying.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… I’m not naughty!

I try to relax by… Going for walks along the beach and gardening.

The last time I feared for my life…. Was when I was charging across the desert in a camel race during a trip to Rajasthan. I can assure you that this is not part of Insight’s amazing program they now offer to India!

If I can, I always try to avoid… Coach tours with more than 40 seats! Once you’ve experienced business class legroom there’s no going back.

I really wish I had… More free time.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… Travel as much as you can. It opens your mind, leaves you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world. It creates wonderful memories which will stay with you forever.

I don’t understand why…. Rainforests and natural habitats are allowed to be logged and destroyed.

My greatest weakness is…. All things sweet.

And my greatest strength…. Determination.

If I was prime minister I would… Resign – politics is not interesting to me.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would…. Build a dream house and take six months off to go travelling.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… The Pope. I would love to explore the hidden secrets of the Vatican. For the time being I’ll settle for Insight’s exclusive visit to Bramante Staircase – but I’d love to know what other special behind the scenes locations we could offer our guests.

I’ve always wanted to travel to…. Lapland, in search of the beautiful Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). We have chartered a few custom group tours for astronomers to the region – I think this would be a magical experience. The dramatic untamed wilderness and quaint fishing villages covered by blankets of snow is in complete contrast to what we have here in Australia.

My favorite holiday was… It was an Insight trip I took with my husband, it delved deep into Colonial Mexico. Being in my role, I’m constantly exposed to new destinations and experiences, it’s hard to choose what to do next.

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