Q: What was it that inspired you to join the travel industry?
A: I was 19 and in New York for the first time when Hurricane Sandy hit. Our travel agent back in Brisbane stayed in constant contact with my sister, checking in on us and making sure we were safe and supported if plans changed.
It was my first real insight into the power of travel done well and I applied for Flight Centre the week I got home.
Q: What is it about the travel industry that you enjoy the most?
A: The best part is how united the industry is – everyone genuinely wants travel to be better, easier and more meaningful for people. There’s a real sense of community and when it’s done right, the impact is huge.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what other career path might you have taken?
A: I’ve always wanted to play saxophone in the Disneyland band. That, or a Jungle Cruise skipper. Probably even both, if I could have managed it.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Go all in and embrace failing forward. Say yes to opportunities, back yourself and learn fast – the best growth in this industry comes from doing.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: I start by getting to know the people around me and understanding their “why”. Relationships are everything in this industry and great work always starts with strong connection.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: Right now, travellers are planning earlier and staying longer, which is such an exciting space to be in.
For destination marketing, it creates a longer runway to build awareness and make sure the right destinations are front of mind when people are ready to book.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane?
A: At the moment, it has to be Victoria Beckham, doesn’t it? Just kidding.
If it was a personal flight, I’d probably say Niels B. Christiansen. I want to know his five+ year plan for Lego and if it involves being made available on long-haul flights.
On a business flight, it would have to be Mark Ritson, the GOAT of the marketing world.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: I think about Glenwood Springs in Colorado almost daily – hot springs, mountaintop theme park and incredible scenery anytime of the year so you can just book, go and have a great time.
In our own backyard, Uluru has to be top of my list. It’s incredibly beautiful, moving and spiritual.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: Taking my husband on his first overseas flight with a low-cost airline so, of course, they weighed our check-in luggage, no meals, drinks, entertainment onboard, etc. It was a great flight for the price we paid and that was his intro to international travel!
The next flight we took was Qantas to LAX and the pure shock on his face when he was offered a choice of dinner meals, alcoholic drinks and snacks…hilarious.
He still talks about how amazing the service was and it was just your run of the mill economy seat – so funny!
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Linkd Tourism?
A: I’m excited to join a team that truly knows who they are and consistently delivers with impact.
Linkd has a reputation for strong relationships, strategic thinking and bringing real energy to destination marketing. I’m looking forward to learning from that and being part of it.
Main image: Mel pictured front row in Colorado
