Midweek Interview with Nicole Skjaerbaek, Business Development Manager – Leisure, Tourism Portfolio

Midweek Interview with Nicole Skjaerbaek, Business Development Manager – Leisure, Tourism Portfolio
By admin


The challenge for the industry is… to make operators understand that even in a price-sensitive market the quality and uniqueness of the experience is still just as important to today’s traveller as the price.

The things I like about my job are… being able to represent first-class ground handlers with unique, bespoke products and bringing them to the attention of the industry.

And the frustrations… getting your foot in the door as a relative new-comer in the Australian market.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be a… lead singer in a band (if I could sing).

Qantas or Virgin? I like them both.

My proudest moment was… graduating with an EMBA from Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne in Switzerland last year.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… too many things to mention.

I try to relax by… spending time with my husband and two kids and trying to travel and see as much of this world as we can.

The last time I feared for my life… I have had a few scary travel experiences but have never really feared for my life.

If I can, I always try to avoid… being in a situation where I have no knowledge or background. I like to be well informed.

I really wish I had…a good singing voice or any musical talent.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… look after yourself first before helping others (especially when putting on your oxygen mask).

I don’t understand why… some people have no desire to travel; the world is an amazing place.

My greatest weakness is… I have a really bad sweet tooth.

And my greatest strength….I like to learn new things and am curious about other countries and cultures.

If I was prime minister I would… do something to fix Sydney’s shocking public transport (I know it’s a state issue).

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… invest it somehow so I could become independently wealthy.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Axl Rose to see what goes on in his head.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… South America; I don’t know why I haven’t been there as yet.

My favourite holiday was… backpacking holidays are my favorite, turning up in a location not knowing where to go next and having to research it in my Lonely Planet (of course if I had a good ground handler I would have it all planned for me!).

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