Midweek Interview with Joe Karbo, General Manager, Excite Holidays

Midweek Interview with Joe Karbo, General Manager, Excite Holidays
By admin


The challenge for the industry is… dealing with another GFC or a global terrorist attack. Maintaining domestic consumer confidence is key to a healthy travel & tourism industry.

The things I like about my job are… the amazing people I work with. Such an innovative & fun environment with great owners (George & Nic).

And the frustrations… patience, learning to understand that certain things can take some time to develop. Also working with a volatile AUD.

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

Qantas or Virgin? – ahhh Tiger?

My proudest moment was… I’m not married or a father so I’d say when I get married or have kids. Up until this point my proudest moment has been giving up smoking 14 years ago.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… sorry – I can’t disclose anything to the industry J.

I try to relax by… training, meditating & bikram yoga.

The last time I feared for my life… was during turbulence on a flight from HKG to SYD. I love travelling but admit I always fear the worst on a plane especially when it’s dipping amongst the clouds. Even though the chances are extremely slim on anything happening, it’s still scares the life out of me– but it’s not enough to ever stop me from flying on the next trip.

If I can, I always try to avoid… these type of interviews.

I really wish I had… a crystal ball to make decisions… and hindsight in reverse.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… the truth always comes out & things do catch up with you – karma!

I don’t understand why… some people post every meal they eat at a restaurant on Facebook.

My greatest weakness is… hoarding, I’ve really got to learn to let go of certain things.

And my greatest strength… knowing that out of something bad there can still be something good to learn from.

If I was prime minister I would… reduce income tax and increase GST – a fairer tax system based on expenditure not earnings.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… buy a new car, invest, travel, donate to charity & save.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… the Invisible Man. The mind starts to ponder…

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Montreal, Canada to practice my French.

My favourite holiday was… my first time on the Greek Islands in the 90s when there was no Euro, only drachmas. My first time in Paris with always be memorable as well.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]