Hotel Partner
Supported by
Ben Jarmin project co-ordinator of Hidden Journeys, Royal Geographical Society
Aaron Zukauskas director, Body Bureau
Having worked in the export business, Lithuanian Aaron launched his company, which arranges travel for people seeking overseas medical treatment, in January 2011. Since then the business has won a leadership award from the Medical Tourism Association, while its service partners are complimentary about its professionalism.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Seeing the project I have managed grow from an initial idea to monetisation – and being involved in the whole process. What is particularly good is that the project is related to something I am passionate about – namely, providing people with the tools to enable them learn about the world’s people, places and environments while they travel.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced? While I was establishing the Royal Geographical Society as the leading provider of geo-entertainment in the in-flight entertainment sector, I attended AIX in Hamburg back in 2010: one of the world’s biggest industry events. I pitched to some of the largest companies in the sector simply by turning up and talking to as many people as I could. And while I received many rejections in the early stages, I have since created a strong profile for the Society, culminating in a deal with a major airline in September 2013 that will be announced later in the year.
Which people – in travel and tourism, other industries or anywhere else – do you find inspiring? Michael Palin was president of the Society for three years while I have been working here. During this time, I was fortunate enough to meet him several times and saw him introduce our popular Monday Night Lecture series. What I find inspiring about Michael is that he has an ability to share his enthusiasm for travel, education and geography to a wide audience. Even though he has travelled across the globe, he has never lost his enthusiasm for learning about new people, places and environments: a trait I find admirable.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? It is important to listen to advice and, regardless of how old you are, you can always learn something new – frequently from the most unexpected source. It is important to take as many opportunities as you can so that you have the experience upon which to base your future decisions about your career.
Where do you hope you might be in five years’ time? 10? 20? I would like to run my own company in the travel industry – one that is not only successful but is also based on certain values in addition to making profit. Ideally, it would focus on the educational side of travel, geography and environmental responsibility. And, as part of the company, I would like to provide opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs, as I think this is vital to prosperous business and maintaining a strong sense of commercial acumen.
Alex White UK head of sales, Princess Cruises (UK)
Alex started his career in travel at the age of 25 when he joined Carnival as an account manager for Complete Cruise Solution. After a few years he took a career break to work as a ski instructor in New Zealand but, on his return in August 2012, rejoined the cruise operator where he has since been made Princess’s head of sales.
Becky Stubbs head of sales, Imagine Cruising
Becky started working for her managing director, Robin Deller, aged 16, when he was running travel firm Fast Track. They now work together on Imagine Cruising. She was made head of sales in September 2012 and since she started running the call centre, conversions have risen by 15% and remained constant.
Adam Pennyfather audit manager, Elman Wall
Adam joined Elman Wall in 2010 and qualified as a chartered accountant just over a year ago. He is now a veteran of many travel firm audits, combining expert knowledge of the various financial requirements of the travel industry bodies with strong insight into travel businesses’ systems and processes.
Amy Skelding associate director, Brighter Group
Having joined the Brighter Group in April 2012 as an account director, Amy has been chosen for 30 Under 30 owing to her ability to lead her team, while her passion for travel has impressed all those who have met her. She is now an associate director, and has introduced new initiatives designed to make the company more cutting-edge.
Carl Hunter brand manager, Hoseasons
Carl joined Hoseasons in April 2012 as product executive, the same role he held for two years previously at Tui. He was quickly promoted to brand manager for the Go Active Breaks programme and has developed new tools to assist yield and revenue growth. Hunter has also worked with a developer to build a new lodge resort.
Chelsea Peak motivator and senior sales member, A1 Travel
At the age of just 20, Chelsea joined A1 in 2012 after completing a training course organised in partnership with Bury College. She made record sales in her first six months and inspired A1 to open a call centre in Bury. It has proved such a success that A1 is now recruiting
directly from the college, where she is helping to provide further training.
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