It’s time to lift the curtain on Excite Holidays!

Agents know the name, know the brand, know the company, but what about the people behind it all?

We tracked down the men in charge of the booming business to find out what makes them tick, and why Excite should be your first choice.

Here is our revealing chat with CEO George Papaioannou and MD Nic Stavropoulos.

George Papaioannou

1. What’s your hottest travel tip?

Relax and enjoy the journey. All aspects of travelling should be enjoyed – including your flights!

2. How do you combat jetlag?

We would all love the luxury of flying first class, but if you can’t manage a sneaky upgrade, make sure you pack for comfort. No matter if it is a short or long haul flight, pack a jumper (air-conditioning in aeroplanes tends to be cooler), a good book and load your phone with great music.

3. What should agents be doing more of?

Being more deliberate when looking for the latest rates with the right supplier. Information is key – by talking to our BDMs and reservations team, agents can find out about our latest offers and incentives, ensuring they are always armed with the most up to date information to win and retain business.

4. Why should agents choose Excite?

We believe that booking with Excite Holidays should be a seamless process and we have heavily invested in our technology, so that it is the best in the industry. We are continually listening to agents and working to improve our booking platform to suit their needs at every corner.

5. What’s your favourite hotel and why?

I’d say the Four Seasons in Hong Kong. I am yet to find more luxurious and spacious guestrooms and their amenities are state-of-the-art.

6. What’s one thing agents don’t know about Excite Holidays?

With global offices, we have the ability to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This enables us to provide quality service to our agents, at any moment they need our assistance. Agent enquiries are always handled by Excite Holidays staff, who are knowledgeable about our products and always provide service excellence.

7. Where will be the next hot destination for travellers?

Tulum would be my choice. Nothing beats its’ picturesque coastline, and beachside bungalows.

8. What’s next for Excite Holidays in 2016?

More flexible technology for agents to use.

Nic Stavropoulos

1. What’s your hottest travel tip?

Try not to over pack (you’ll need some extra space in your luggage for purchases) and use noise cancelling headphones to get a decent sleep and some distraction from fellow passengers.

2. How do you combat jetlag?

Stick to the golden rule: if you land in the morning, never sleep during the day. Also, get into the habit of setting your watch to local time, so on the plane you are kick-starting your body clock and getting accustomed to local time.

3. What should agents be doing more of?

Being more cautious of profitability and margins. By making the most of our booking tools, agents can really maximise their earning potential.

4. Why should agents choose Excite?

We pride ourselves on customer excellence. We have a great work culture which radiates through our dedicated staff members. They live and breathe Excite Holidays and go above and beyond to provide the very best service to our agents.

5. What’s your favourite hotel and why?

Mine would have to be Astir Palace, Athens Rivera.  Waking up in a luxury bungalow right on the beach is enough to make anyone feel special.

6. What’s one thing agents don’t know about Excite Holidays?

We have a true global presence. Our offices have expanded to Bangkok and Athens and our presence around the globe is increasing. Excite Holidays’ BDMs are out on the ground assisting agents throughout Australia, New Zealand and now in the UK and Europe.

7. Where will be the next hot destination for travellers?

Definitely Cuba, it is timeworn but magical. I foresee travellers adding this to their bucket list next.

8. What’s next for Excite Holidays in 2016?

More innovation for agents.

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