Midweek Catch-up with AAT Kings’ Ben Hall

This week, we caught up with AAT Kings’ CEO to find out who’s on his naughty & nice lists this year. HR gave us a good talking-to soon after.

What was your main goal for the year?

While we are now so close to 2023, my goal throughout this year has been to support my family and staff while ensuring the business is set up for success.

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

The people – we have some of the most committed, clever, and entertaining people in our industry.

How do you spend your free time?

After moving with my wife and two young daughters last year, I am enjoying life back in Australia – we’re loving being near family and friends, the beaches, the sights, the sports and the ice creams!

Have you managed to do any travel since restrictions eased?

I’ve been back and forth to London twice this year, with the highlight being a long weekend with friends in Florence.

I’ve also visited several locations in Australia and New Zealand for my work with AAT Kings and to see family. It was so special to see Uluru again after so many years and experience the Field of Lights at sunrise, a real highlight.

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

Contiki – which provides lots of fun, wonderful experiences, lifelong memories and many treasured friendships for generations of travellers!

If you could invite three famous guests to a dinner party, who would you choose?

Walt Disney, Cleopatra and Shane Warne.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced in the wake of the global pandemic?

Since the pandemic I have witnessed a greater sense of community with neighbours, reconnecting and supporting one another while spending more time at home and trying to establish a better work-life balance. It has been great to watch.

What’s your advice for others in the travel industry on coping post-pandemic?

Focus on what you can change and do, not on the things outside your control.

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

The Harry Potter book series – my eldest daughter has discovered them and it’s great to be reading these again with her and sharing her enthusiasm – brings back many wonderful memories and reminds me what a brilliant writer JK Rowlings is.

What are your current travel goals?

To get to Daylesford to celebrate my Father’s 91st birthday – I’ve missed too many of his birthdays over the years so these are very special ones now.