Q: Anna, congrats on the new role. Before we get to Adventure World, you must be really proud of what you achieved in your previous role at the Luxury Travel Collection?
A: Yes! Building the Luxury Travel Collection House and brand was an extraordinary opportunity and undoubtedly not the kind that happens often.
It’s testament to FCTG’s commitment to luxury leisure travel as a genuine growth market and to the company’s vision of a holistic house of luxury travel, for luxury businesses, with the client at the centre.
Working with a truly committed team of talented people and leadership can’t be underestimated in the success of LTC.
Q: What was it about Adventure World and the new role that appealed to you so much?
A: Quite simply, I’ve admired the Adventure World brand and philosophy from day one. This business is filled with highly committed and passionate people who are absolute experts in their field.
The enthusiasm for the brand and the product is infectious and you feel it with every interaction with the AW team, starting with Neil Rodgers (Managing Director).
The genuine sense of support across the whole TTC business, reflected by the leadership team, with all brands showing up for one another, and I definitely look for those key cultural cues.
And with new ownership, Adventure World will be able to flex and grow. There’s so much opportunity to define and develop new products that will enable the business to achieve the kind of step change it deserves. I’m extremely proud to be part of this journey.
Q: Apart from the hugely impressive Mr Rodgers, is there anyone else you’re really looking forward to working with at Adventure World?
A: My new team! It’s true. We have a highly talented and passionate team of Product Managers and Executives, so I am looking forward to championing a truly deserving group of people.
I’m also extremely keen to get to know our DMC partners, but it’s more than likely there are some that we don’t even know yet but need to uncover and find the gold that will elevate the customer’s experience beyond measure.
(Above and main): Anna and daughter Violet
Q: AW are renowned for responsible travel and their caring approach to wildlife. I assume you support these commitments and will continue to promote them in your new role?
A: That’s core to AW’s philosophy so product development and future innovation need to reflect the brand’s values.
What makes AW product compelling is that it fulfils the customer’s desire to be immersed in destination and connecting with community, breathing in history, experiencing culture and leaving a positive imprint go hand in hand.
Q: Obviously the company has a long and distinguished history. Is it at all daunting to be charged with “ushering in a new era of travel innovation”.
A: In three years, AW will celebrate its 50th and I’m extremely fortunate to be part of that journey now. Am I daunted? Not at all. I’m excited.
Q: Will travel agents still be an important part of what you hope to achieve as Head of Product?
A: Perhaps I can answer that a little differently. My job is to ensure customer needs are met and ideally exceeded, because that is how loyalty is built in the relationship between AW and our customers. Advisors and agents are our core customer and so is the end consumer.
We curate products for the end consumer, however there’s no question that travel agents bring enormous value to the customer experience, so we’ll deliver highly impressive products, designed and vetted by experts that will delight clients and ensure Advisors have absolute confidence when booking AW product.
Q: Finally, how do you think travel is looking in general at this moment in time?
A: That’s a loaded question! Some destinations are really firing and others are impacted by geopolitical factors so I’m not sure I can give any further deep insight!
I can certainly say that we’re focused on the future and how we can use our deep expertise to design itineraries and finesse experiences that will motivate and excite.
There are so many more destinations, experiences and incredible opportunities in the world for people to experience, so that’s where you’ll find AW.
https://www.adventureworld.com/en-au
