We chat with the General Manager Australia and New Zealand for AVIAREPS.
The challenge for the industry is…
For destinations: being heard despite the noise and attracting visitors in a world that is becoming more and more accessible and affordable. The entire world is now your competition, and you really need to understand, define and communicate your unique selling points in effective and engaging ways in order to entice consumers and distributors that are already bombarded with information.
The things I like about my job…
The passionate people I get to meet along the way, the variety of work, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and how it allows me to innovate and express my creativity. It’s also a continual learning experience.
And the frustrations are…
Aiming for the sky but being limited by time and budget. Simple, innovative and cost-effective solutions aren’t the easiest to find, but with perseverance and a little bit of magic, everything is possible.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be…
Bored! I don’t know, probably in Silicon Valley working on a new start-up, or working as a Change Manager for a consulting company.
Favourite airline?
Many of them, for different reasons…
- For the food: Qatar Airways;
- Service: Singapore Airlines;
- In-flight entertainment: Emirates;
- Economy class comfort: Emirates’ A380;
- Value: JetBlue & Porter Airlines when in North America.
- Marketing & innovation: All Nippon Airways… What’s not to like about a Star Wars airplane! I am really excited to see them resuming their Sydney-Haneda flight very soon. Oh and Air New Zealand – that Men in Black security video is a winner.
My proudest moment was…
My overall journey with AVIAREPS, which just culminated in my nomination as general manager for our Australia and New Zealand office. It has been truly enlightening to work and experience so many different countries around the globe, while forging my expertise in the space of destination and airline marketing. I am proud to be where I am now, and look forward to see where this journey takes me!
The naughtiest thing I ever did was…
Pass!
I try to relax by…
My perfect combination is Jazz + bath tub + a good book + a glass of scotch.
The last time I feared for my life was…
10 years ago, when bitten by a tarantula in northern Australia.
If I can, I always try to avoid…
Checking baggage. Travelling light is an art and a state of mind – less is more.
I really wish I had…
- My family and all my friends in Australia with me;
- A lifetime supply of first class flight tickets to everywhere!
The best advice I’ve ever received was…
“Have courage, and be kind”. My mother has been telling and showing us to be courageous and kind in everything we do since we were toddlers. I have been trying to give it justice ever since.
I don’t understand why people…
Fear failure and making mistakes – they are the best opportunity to learn and improve. You will never know your limits and realize yourself entirely until you test them.
My greatest weakness is…
My glass is never full! I’m too critical of myself.
And my greatest strength is…
My ability to see opportunities in any challenge, my adaptability and my perseverance.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would…
Buy a really cool electric violin, and build an eco resort in Northeast Brazil.
If I was prime minister I would…
Change too many things for what this article can handle.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be a…
Superhero. One that can fly of course.
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
Everywhere. There are too many to name but certainly an African Safari is up there as well as Bhutan, Mongolia, South America at large and Antarctica. If possible and maybe when more affordable, I would also love to check space travel off my bucket list!
My favourite holiday was
Cruising the Nile on a traditional felucca accompanied by a Nubian family – a truly authentic experience. The memories will stay with me forever.
