We talk to Mark Haynes, marketing manager Australia, VisitBritain.
The challenge for the industry is…
Remaining relevant to the consumer. I think in the long term, we need to ensure we all don’t oversell those unique places we all want to visit – by developing tourism at a sustainable pace, not just for the instant profits.
The things I like about my job…
The constantly varying tasks presented by the powers that be, plus learning so much from industry experts (colleagues included…..)
And the frustrations are …
The paperwork trail and processes. Whilst we accept the requirements of Gov’t, it doesn’t always allow for the clearest of blue-sky thinking!
If I didn’t work in travel I would be…
An astronaut, according to my son. Alternatively, that Galapagos Island researcher job always sounded quite appealing.
Virgin or Qantas?
Qantas for business, Virgin for pleasure.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was…
Too naughty to say here, but not naughty enough to get arrested.
I try to relax by…
Yoga. Gentle yoga, none of that crazy heat variety.
The last time I feared for my life was…
Climbing Helvellyn in the Lake District, when the storms rolled in and the compass failed…
I really wish I had…
Slightly more hours in the day – too many ideas not getting the attention they deserve.
The best advice I’ve ever received was…
Never ask anyone to do something you’re not willing to do yourself
I don’t understand why people…
Don’t just try.
My greatest weakness is…
Loving a job that doesn’t pay mountains.
And my greatest strength is…
Loving a job that isn’t driven by the pursuit of money
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would…
Hopefully make a lot of people happy with it.
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
See the Northern lights. At Christmas. With the kids.
My favourite holiday was…
A solo adventure through Guatemala – it’s amazing what you can do without even knowing the local language.
