This week we got up close and personal with Butterfield & Robinson’s Annalise Andrews until she requested we sit further away.
The challenge for the industry is…
To find ways to connect people to the places they visit and the people they meet. It’s too easy now to disappear into the generic luxury of a 5 star hotel, without really getting a chance to understand what makes a destination unique – the people, the food, the culture and the unique passions that drive a community.
The things I like about my job…
Helping people to disconnect from their version of reality for a while, and to explore someone else’s. Helping them to really meet the people and find the soul of the place they’re travelling in.
And the frustrations are …
That I can’t tag along on all of the adventures I plan!
If I didn’t work in tourism I would be…
Finding a way to teach and inspire kids.
Favourite airline?
Emirates, although I have to give kudos to EVA Air – I flew with them from Brisbane to Paris via Taipei recently, and the livery of the plane is ‘Hello Kitty’ – quite an experience!
My proudest moment was…
Watching my kids grow, every day.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was…..
Disappear into the Sahara Desert for a month when I was 21, and not call my Mum!
I try to relax by…
Taking my dog, Clancy, for long walks through the bush or on the beach
The last time I feared for my life was…
When Trump was elected
If I can, I always try to avoid…
Discussing politics. Whoops!
I really wish I had…
Travelled more in Africa – but there’s still plenty of time!
The best advice I’ve ever received was…
Follow your passions and interests when trying to choose your career. Following these things will lead you there eventually anyway. It worked!
I don’t understand why people…
Want things when they travel to be exactly the same way that they are at home.
My greatest weakness is…
Knowing how to say no when an exciting opportunity comes my way.
And my greatest strength is…
Being able – most of the time – to keep a LOT of different balls in the air, at once (metaphorically speaking)
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would…
Spend it on my family, and on taking the time off to pursue some of my passions and interests.
If I was prime minister I would…
Resign immediately, and wonder what on earth I had been thinking!
If I could be someone else for one day I would be …
My 10 year old daughter. She has so much excitement for life, and so much lies ahead!!!
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
Antarctica, with my husband and kids. My husband is a wonderful naturalist, and he has a burning desire to see Antarctica with us all.
My favourite holiday was…
Always the last one, wherever it happens to be.
