Midweek Interview with Gary O'Riordan, general manager accreditation, AFTA

Midweek Interview with Gary O'Riordan, general manager accreditation, AFTA
By admin


The challenge for the industry is…. harnessing the power of the online environment to grow your customer base.

The things I like about my job are… the challenge ahead in building and implementing the new industry accreditation scheme and of course the travel and the people.

And the frustrations… misconceptions from industry about what will be required to transition from the TCF and to participate in the new scheme.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be a…. teacher.

Qantas or Virgin? Its Qantas for me.

My proudest moment was… Being involved in the development of the national “China Ready” program, Welcoming Chinese Visitors.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… crashing a Bastille Day Ball.

I try to relax by… getting away for a beach holiday and going to watch my favourite sporting teams.

The last time I feared for my life… flying into Queenstown in heavy weather with three attempted landings (we made it !).

If I can, I always try to avoid… confrontation and negative people.

I really wish I had… travelled more extensively when I was younger.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… ”Don’t burn your bridges”! This industry moves in circles.

I don’t understand why… we don’t have a second Sydney Airport.

My greatest weakness is… my impatience.

And my greatest strength… listening and analysing.

If I was prime minister I would… spend more on an innovation fund and encourage more investment in this country.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would…. obviously clear the mortgage and reinvest in property plus there would have be a luxury holiday.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… the golfer Adam Scott – he has got it all.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Antarctica!

My favourite holiday was… Hawaii with my family.

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

afta

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