One of the best parts of being in the Tourism industry for many years is the people I meet. Our industry has an endless list of talented, hardworking, fun-loving and creative professionals. I decided to interview my friends and give you a peek into their lives and careers. Feel free to ask questions in the comments section, and I will follow-up with the guest interviewed. This week we hear from my good friend and mentor, Jack Lok. Jack has spent many hours with me teaching me about the Chinese visitor market, how to inspire the next generation of leaders in his company and most importantly, how to use chopsticks!
Tell us a bit about how you started in the tourism industry.
I started in coach tour as a tour leader when I was still in high school back in the seventies.
What is your current job and what are your primary responsibilities?
Right now I am founder and advisor for several tour related businesses, My primary goals and responsibilities are helping others to achieve their dreams in travel or related industry. [Jack is also one of the founding partners of L&L Travel enterprises, the largest Chinese tour operator on the East Coast. L&L recently signed a partnership agreement with CTrip, China’s largest online travel agency at an event I wrote about. L&L’s new name will be Universal Vision.]
What are some of the changes you have seen since you began your career?
For one, online platforms have became an important player in travel industry. Remember the old days when only Sabre dominated the international booking system. It was very difficult for a new company to put their products on Sabre. The internet has change the whole environment, and enabled many new tour companies to complete and enhance the market place.
What tourism trends are you seeing that will impact your job and how you work in the next 2 years?
Tourists will continue to move from group experience to seeking more local and authentic experience. As a tour provider and planner, the challenge will be create more tour products aligned with needs of the novice tourists.
It’s vacation time – where do you go?
I consider myself a novice tourist, So I will explore some off beaten path places like Sharon Spring, Herkimer and Corning to hear the stories from the locals.
What is your favorite app and tell us a bit about it.
I use different app for different task, Hotels.com for hotel in the US. Booking.com for hotel in Europe, United.com for air travel. Ctrip for hotels in China.
What is your favorite tradeshow and why?
NTA, ABA and road shows to China. NTA and ABA offer a very good platform to meet many suppliers in the US and Canada. They both very cost effective and can save a lot of time for tour operators. They are also very fun to attend especially the Fam trips. The road shows to China offer insight on how to get more Chinese customers and also new contacts for cooperation and friendships.
What trends do you see in the Chinese visitors to the United States in the next two years?
The top trends for the Chinese tourists will become younger, move away from the traditional budget group tour products. The new Chinese tourists are looking for Genuine American experiences, like self driving tours, local foods, or attractions. They also want to hear local stories.
What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the tourism industry?
Work hard and be smart. I did.