Midweek catch-up with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Angela Middleton

This week we caught up with NCL’s senior manager of sales who’s keen to get her youngest overseas for the first time this year with trips to Fiji and Hawaii already booked. Can we come too?

What’s your main goal for this year?

To continue to support our valued trade partners in rebuilding their forward business – and to celebrate the return to cruising in our region.

I can’t wait to introduce our completely revitalised Norwegian Spirit to as many trade partners as possible during her inaugural local sailing season from December 2022 through to March 2023.

What’s your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

Without question, it’s the networks and connections I have established across the industry, both with fellow suppliers and trade partners.

This industry is rich in experienced and inspiring people, and I am so excited to get back to in-person events and conferences such as CLIA and TIME to see everyone face-to-face again.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Firstly, nothing beats spending time with my little family, I love playing in the park on weekends with my husband, my 10-year-old boy Trent, and my 3-year-old girl, Zali.

I’ve also been fortunate during the pandemic to become a mentor through the Travel Industry Mentor Experience program (TIME) – and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed giving back to the travel industry and seeing people develop and flourish.

Have you managed to do any travelling since restrictions began to ease (domestic or international)?

In December I was lucky to attend the NCL Global Sales Conference onboard Norwegian Encore sailing from Miami to the Caribbean.

It was fantastic to experience first-hand the health and safety protocols in place on our cruises, to re-connect with the global NCL family, and to tick new countries off my bucket list – like the Bahamas – all at the same time!

What’s your favourite travel company, besides the one you work for?

Intrepid Travel…Their purpose and the positive impact on the people and places they visit is inspiring.

I believe they deliver their product, campaigns and initiatives with heart.

If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose?

Pink, Gladys and Prince Harry.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the global pandemic hit?

Whilst sadly there has been a lot of change in the local travel industry as a result of the pandemic, what hasn’t been lost is our sector’s spirit and determination.

More than ever, the local travel industry is collaborating and supporting each other, whether it’s coming together to deliver events and share costs to the comradery we saw amongst agents as they walked their way to the Caribbean during Walk for Wellness!

I think this is something we can all take away from this unprecedented time and build upon in the future.

What’s your advice for others in the travel industry on coping with the global pandemic?

I have lived my work life during the pandemic by the motto, “worry about what you can control”. With so many external factors at play, if you focus your energy on what you can control, you will find and create opportunities.

As a business and team at NCL, we always find new and innovative ways to support our trade partners, and we’re continually looking to find the next client to book a future cruise.

My other advice is for agent owner-managers or senior consultants: whilst your path ahead may feel uncertain, consider taking up the NCL Partners First Scholarship to secure a mentor as part of the Travel Industry Mentor Experience…and reap the rewards in your personal career development and growth.

What book and/or TV show can you not get enough of lately?

I am very happy the footy season has kicked off again as this sorts out my screen time for the coming months!

I’m looking forward to the second season of Bridgerton, and I also love listening to the TIME podcasts.

Do you have any travel goals for 2022?

My goal is to get my 3-year-old Zali onto her first international flight.

She was only a year old when this pandemic started, so we have some catching up to do.

We have a big year of family travel planned to look forward to – first Fiji in April, then we will be in Hawaii during October for Halloween!

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