Q: What was it that inspired you to join the travel industry in the first place?
A: My love of travel! When I was 15, I visited my sister in the French alps and knew I would be following in her footsteps as soon as I was old enough.
I quickly realised that working in the travel industry was the best way to see the world. Little did I know back then it could also be a meaningful career.
In recent years it has become more apparent how travel can not only have an impact on those travelling and the places you are visiting, but also a positive impact on our communities and environment.
Q: What is it about the travel industry that you enjoy the most?
A: The people you meet in this industry all share the same passion for travel. The travel industry attracts those with curious minds, a sense of adventure and people who are natural connectors.
It’s a special group of people that understand the power of travel. They know that when you travel, you grow and are able to bring that to both their lives and their careers.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Travel! The best way to build your passion and understand the industry is to get out there and experience the world.
Try different roles across the industry. This breadth will give you perspective from all angles – from the guest to the community you are visiting. This experience and the people you meet along the way will expedite your career in travel.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: It’s tempting to say listen and learn, but I tend to jump straight in! I learn by doing but know it’s also important to take a step back to see the bigger picture, consider what gaps you need to fill and how your skills can benefit the organisation.
Coming into this role, I had the advantage of knowing the product well, so my focus was understanding the strategy, getting to know the market and mapping out how I can help to further drive impact.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: The past few years have shown how resilient the travel industry can be. People continue to prioritise travel, especially when the world can feel overwhelming. Taking time to experience new places or visit the places that bring you joy can be more important than ever.
We are also at an important juncture when it comes to regenerative travel. As an industry and travellers ourselves we need to continually think of our impact on the places we visit and how we can ensure we are mindful with our travel choices to ensure we have a positive impact on the communities we visit.
I see this as a communal effort between the traveller and the industry. Travelling with purpose remains a priority, balanced with a continued focus on wellness travel to ensure we can use travel to come back better.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Ooh that’s a tough one! Other than my Grandpa (who would been so envious of my travels!), I would probably say Diane Whelan.
On the plane moving from Canada to Australia I watched 500 days in the Wild and was immensely moved by the film. It was emotional watching her travel so mindfully across a country I love so much – I’d love to hear even more about it.
I also love getting into the backcountry, so would love to pick her brain on what it was like to spend that much time under canvas!
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: Canada (obviously!), specifically BC, which continues to amaze me even after 15 years of calling it home. I’ve also loved the times I’ve spent in the lesser-known places – Saskatoon is a hidden gem, Algonquin in the fall took my breath away.
My favourite time to go to the Rockies is in November – the stillness of the start of winter and the epic snow-covered mountains is something everyone must see at least once.
The communities in Atlantic Canada always make you feel welcome and everyone should get up north to experience the aurora at least once in their lives!
Japan is one of my happy places – the combination of culture, amazing skiing and delicious food make for my perfect winter break. That and the onsens of course!
Tasmania – I’m currently enjoying getting to know my new home. The landscape here is truly breathtaking and I actually kind of love the wild weather.
Finally, Norfolk in England, my home county. Vast beaches, a pub on every corner and a completely different landscape to the mountains I’m used to, will always feel like ‘home’ to me.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: When we were travelling in New Zealand and our campervan broke down, we went to a tiny town on the South Island where the mechanic gave us his apprentice’s car for the day and told us to go find some penguins.
We didn’t find the penguins, but we did have an amazingly unplanned day exploring part of the country we wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t for the breakdown!
Also, camping in Antarctica has to be one of my most epic travel experiences. I refused to zip my bivvy sac up all the way so awoke to fresh snow on my face and penguins fishing on the near-by icebergs – truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment!
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Julie King & Associates?
A: Julie and the team are doing such innovative things in the industry. For Canada they are leading the way with industry-leading collaboration across our Team Canada and strategic partners.
Their innovative approach is reshaping destination marketing and how we reach our audience. They are also fostering connection across the industry, championing collaboration and embodying the belief that travel is a ‘Force for Good’.
It’s an honour to be joining such a talented team that are true ambassadors for Canada while making waves in the Australian tourism industry and beyond.
https://www.jkingassociates.com/
