The Midweek Interview with Mark Haynes

The Midweek Interview with Mark Haynes

We talk to Mark Haynes, marketing manager Australia, VisitBritain.

The challenge for the industry is…

Remaining relevant to the consumer. I think in the long term, we need to ensure we all don’t oversell those unique places we all want to visit – by developing tourism at a sustainable pace, not just for the instant profits.

The things I like about my job…

The constantly varying tasks presented by the powers that be, plus learning so much from industry experts (colleagues included…..)

And the frustrations are …

The paperwork trail and processes. Whilst we accept the requirements of Gov’t, it doesn’t always allow for the clearest of blue-sky thinking!

If I didn’t work in travel I would be…

An astronaut, according to my son. Alternatively, that Galapagos Island researcher job always sounded quite appealing.

Virgin or Qantas?

Qantas for business, Virgin for pleasure.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was…

Too naughty to say here, but not naughty enough to get arrested.

I try to relax by…

Yoga. Gentle yoga, none of that crazy heat variety.

The last time I feared for my life was… 

Climbing Helvellyn in the Lake District, when the storms rolled in and the compass failed…

I really wish I had…

Slightly more hours in the day – too many ideas not getting the attention they deserve.

The best advice I’ve ever received was…

Never ask anyone to do something you’re not willing to do yourself

I don’t understand why people…

Don’t just try.

My greatest weakness is…

Loving a job that doesn’t pay mountains.

And my greatest strength is…

Loving a job that isn’t driven by the pursuit of money

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would…

Hopefully make a lot of people happy with it.

I’ve always wanted to travel to…

See the Northern lights. At Christmas. With the kids.

My favourite holiday was…

A solo adventure through Guatemala – it’s amazing what you can do without even knowing the local language.

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