Midweek Interview with Uniworld’s Jen Pagett
This week, Uniworld’s sales manager for NSW and the ACT gave Travel Weekly a pretty damn good reason why she should be PM. Read what she had to say here.
The challenge for the industry is…
I think one of the challenges is the perception that river cruising is just for old people. Why? I love the diversity of river cruising and honestly believe that it is a fantastic holiday suitable for everyone of any age.
However, it is an active and busy way to travel so I always encourage people not to leave it too late in life to try it.
The things I like about my job are…
A lot of salespeople probably say that it is the travel and the social aspects that they love about their job, but what I love is that as a sales manager I can add value to an industry peer’s business. By that, I mean that I support travel agents and their businesses to drive their luxury river cruise business. And I get to make lifelong friends in the process.
And the frustrations are…
Time, there never seems to be enough. This year has gone too quickly, so I think I need to plan better for next year!
If I didn’t work in travel, I would be…
On a permanent holiday. It is cruel in this industry that we are shown all the amazing travel experiences across the globe but only have four weeks annual leave!
My favourite airline is…
I must admit I haven’t been loyal to anyone in particular, trying to get on as many different ones as I can so I can recommend those I liked.
My proudest moment was…
Competing in a sailing regatta in Thailand – and not coming last!
I try to relax by…
Researching holiday destinations, my bucket list is scarily long.
The last time I feared for my life was…
When I went to the wrong airport in Bangkok and missed my flight home.
If I can, I always try to avoid…
Checking my phone when I am jetlagged, it never helps you get back into rhythm.
I really wish I had…
The ability to teleport. I would love to find a way to avoid the 24-plus hours it takes us Aussies to get to Europe.
The best advice I’ve ever received was…
Find yourself a mentor, and make sure they know it.
I don’t understand why people…
Live their lives through their phone cameras. Don’t get me wrong, I love an Instagram or two but it’s disheartening to be at a popular destination, attraction or concert when all you see are people looking through their phones.
My greatest strength is…
Talking someone’s ear off, so I have been told.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would…
I would buy a house in France that I would spend half the year in.
If I was prime minister, I would…
Give everyone an extra two weeks annual leave. Vote one Jen Pagett!
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
South America. It is so big and intimidating. I better start saving my precious annual leave!
My favourite holiday was…
Hosting a group of agents on our U river cruises ship “The B” in her inaugural year. It’s very special to be a part of something so new and innovative and we had a blast.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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