One of the best parts of being in the Tourism industry for many years has been the people I have met. Our industry has an endless list of talented, hardworking, fun loving and creative professionals. I decided that I would 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.
My friend Robert Graff from Papillion Helicopters agreed to be the first interview for this new feature.
- Tell us a bit about how you got started in the tourism industry.
I lived in Greece when I first signed up for my first frequent flier program. When I returned stateside, penniless, I sold those miles to buy my first car. I drove that car to my new job working in concierge guest services at the MGM in Las Vegas. Thank you, TWA/ American Airlines, for “funding” my fledgling career in the travel industry. I should have known then that this would be a start of my travel industry career.
- What is your current job and what are your primary responsibilities?
Corporate Vice President of Marketing & International Sales – In this position, I oversee a team of corporate sales and marketing professionals to manage wholesale accounts and international distributors. This includes direct market planning, sales distribution channel development, sales and marketing strategies, media relations and advertising for the Papillon Group, made up of Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines, Scenic Airlines, Grand Canyon Coaches.
- What are some of the changes you have seen since you began your career?
Technology! The Internet, cell phones, voice over IP, apps, passwords that change monthly and people wanting to travel into space. (No, I’m not on the waiting list for Virgin Galactic Flight. They haven’t announced if they will be part of a frequent flyer program.)
- What tourism trends are you seeing that will impact your job and how you work in the next 5 years?
We live in a global travel economy with more automation, pricing tools, comparison sites, user reviews, we benefit from disruptive technologies, such as Uber and Air B&B; I’m sure there will be more to come. A new generation of travelers who are willing to part with their money if we can provide shared experiences, a green future, and an opportunity to give back to society. (I also wonder if I will better be served with a new Samsung Galaxy Note, or the iphone 7 Plus? Or should I even wait?)
- It’s vacation time – where do you go?
When it’s time for vacation – I go definitely go to warm weather: the beach, any island, or bucket list items such as Angor Wat in Cambodia or a trip on the Mekong river in Vietnam.
- What is your favorite app and tell us a bit about it.
Starbucks. Need I say more.
- What is your favorite tradeshow and why?
My favorite tradeshow is World Travel market in London. For me, it’s about renewing connections and meeting old and new industry friends. I like checking out the latest technology available to the travel industry. The event is always in London. I love London.
- What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the tourism industry?
When I started, I was told “Welcome to travel, where you live like a king on a pauper’s salary.” They were talking about all the great upgrades, travel benefits and proud to say the benefits are somewhat still there. Since then, our salaries have come a long way. The hospitality industry now employs 7 out of 10 people. Get into this industry and you will have a great future ahead of you.