Midweek catch-up with TravelManagers’ Lia Malone

This week, we got up close and personal with TravelManagers’ cruise product manager… Until she asked us to scooch over a bit.

What’s your main goal for this year?

Professionally I aim to reconnect with cruise partners I’ve worked with in the past and the many partners whom TravelManagers has established and maintained great relationships with. My core focus is to take our cruise business to the next level.

Personally, with the vast wealth of knowledge and support within my team, I’m also taking the opportunity to learn and develop my skills in other areas.

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

No two days are alike. I get to meet new people all the time. I also get to work with colleagues and suppliers that share the same passion. We embrace change together, and share knowledge and experiences, plus, we share the same common goal of wanting to create memorable holidays.

How do you like to spend your free time?

You’ll either find me venturing out in search of new cafes and restaurants or hiking up a mountain huffing and puffing because I chose the longest track again.

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

After the last NSW lockdown, I packed a bag and took a road trip. It was all very last minute, but my mate and I made it to some National Parks including Barrington Tops, New England, and Dorrigo. It was the best 2 weeks I had in a long time!

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

That’s a tricky question and I have too many to choose from. I find each travel company has its unique differences and reasons.

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

Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Hart and Richard Branson – hopefully I’m not the one cooking!

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

The ongoing support and engagement from suppliers, colleagues and employers.

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

Don’t beat yourself up if you need a day to yourself. We all went through a rough two year period and there possibly could be a few more surprises coming our way. If you’ve made it this far, you know the good and exciting stuff will be coming around soon.

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

I’m currently reading an old book named 1984 by George Orwell.

Do you have any travel goals for the new year?

I like a spontaneous road trip but I’m also hoping to get onboard a domestic cruise. I’m saving the big trip for 2023!