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 friend Jeanette Guire from Roaring Camp Railroads in California. Jeanette and I recently spent several weeks in China together as part of a tourism sales mission that included attractions, hoteliers and DMO’s from around the United States.
Tell us a bit about how you started in the tourism industry
Nothing exciting or planned career move. Broke up with #2, sold my advertising agency and needed a job. Roaring Camp is located ½ mile from my house and I live in a small town. Got the job in Marketing. Knew nothing about tourism, however, sales and marketing is not different wherever you land, just the product. I fit right in from writing a work plan, to boarding trains to dishing beans. It was right up my alley.
What is your current job and what are your primary responsibilities?
The Wax Museum at Fishermans Wharf closed its doors after 50 years and 12 years of me marketing and selling the facility. Seemed like a good time to retire. BUT Roaring Camp asked me to take over their International and Domestic Group Department. I attend trade shows and do followup for them and make sure RC is included in tour itineraries.
What are some of the changes you see since you began your career?
Electronics! Bids are almost instanteous now. Years ago if there was a RFP [Request for proposal] you had days to work on it. Now clients want answers almost before you finish reading the request. Its become a 24 hour 7 day job.
What tourism trends are you seeing that will impact your job and how you work in the next 2 years?
Concerned a little about Virtual Reality. And technology. We need to strike a balance between sitting in your lounge chair and taking a train ride and actually going to the facility and experiencing it.
It’s vacation time – where do you go?
Been heading to Baja California a lot these days. Europe every few years, however the Beach is my place to destress.
What is your favorite app and tell us a bit about it.
Tough one for me since I don’t use apps very much. I liked the Heart app that kept track of steps, meds and general health information. Used it a lot and then like most upgrades it changed layouts and now I am not using it as much. I find that’s what happens. Technology wants to upgrade and everything changes.
What is your favorite tradeshow and why?
All Trade shows are different. I would have to say Sales Missions are my favorite. Clients are happy to see you come to their offices. Traditional trade shows are packed with all sorts of activities you don’t get a chance to really sell your product.
What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the tourism industry?
Get a good contact program. It’s so important to follow up on your requests and items you promise a client.