Travel DAZE (9 June 2022) is around the corner, and the stellar lineup has been announced!

Matt Endycott, head of sales at nib Travel Insurance and one of the exciting speakers at Travel DAZE, is here to share his thoughts on travel in 2022.

But before you check out this incredible interview with Endycott, simply click HERE for your access tickets to this industry-leading conference.

Just enter the number of tickets you’re after, enter the access code “AGENT100” plus just a few particulars, and it’s Travel DAZE here you come!

TW: What’s your main goal for this year, Matt?

ME: On a personal front, I’ve committed to trying something new each month (and preferably something outside my comfort zone). One thing the pandemic has made me reflect on is that we can all easily fall into a safe, comfortable routine – we probably have the lockdowns to thank (or curse) for that!

In January I joined an LGBTQIA+ rugby team and in February I’ll be taking surfing lessons. I figure living in Bondi, I have to try it at least once!

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

Friendship. I joined the industry back in 2007 and have been lucky to meet some extraordinary people either through my roles, on education, at conferences or social gatherings.

The travel industry certainly feels like one big family and I’m very grateful to be part of it.

TW: How do you like to spend your free time?

There are only so many hours in the day, so I try to make the most of it. My alarm goes off at 4.45am everyday and we’re into CrossFit by 5:30am. My partner Chris and our friends usually meet at Bronte Beach at 7am for a morning swim and coffee (yes, even in Winter!).

On weekends we’re usually with friends, on the beach or trying out a new restaurant from the long list we made over the last lockdown.

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

Yes! I’ve squeezed in a few domestic trips for work so far this year. In March we’re heading to Ireland for six weeks to visit Chris’ family and meet his one-year-old nephew.

Chris hasn’t been home in over three years, so we’ll be spending lots of time with his family, exploring Ireland and making a few side trips to London, Berlin, and Amsterdam while we’re there. I cannot wait to dust off my passport again!

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

Before I joined nib Travel Insurance, I was the head of sales at Adventure World. I can genuinely say that Adventure World’s commitment to sustainable travel through the Tread Right Foundation and unique tailor-made experiences around the world is unparalleled.

The Adventure World product truly is extraordinary, as is their expertise for Africa, South America, Asia, North America, and small ship expedition cruising. One of the greatest pleasures of my career was working with Neil (the managing director) and the Adventure World/TTC family. 

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

Adele for the banter, Stevie Nicks for the stories, and Michelle Obama for conversation.  

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

I think the pandemic has made people realise that our time in finite. I’ve seen many friends and family make life decisions and career choices that reconnect them to the things they love, that they perhaps lost touch with in the years before COVID-19.

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

I genuinely feel like we’re moving beyond the pandemic and life is gradually returning to normal. Today (21 Feb), Australia is welcoming international tourists for the first time in over 700 days. Take comfort in the signs that there are better days ahead and our industry is finally starting to slowly recover.

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

I’ve just (finally) finished reading ‘To shake the sleeping self’ by Jedidiah Jenkins, who rides his pushbike from Oregon to Patagonia.

Now I’m reading ‘Think like a Monk’ by Jay Shetty (who also has a brilliant podcast). If you’re into podcasts, I can also recommend ‘Diary of a CEO’ by Steven Bartlett. Some of the conversations are extraordinary.

TW: Do you have any travel goals for 2022?

My focus is to make up for time lost over the pandemic. My goal for 2022 (and beyond) is to create as many new, life long travel memories as possible (as often as I can!).

See you at Travel DAZE to hear Matt and a host of other travel experts discuss what the future looks like for the industry!