From the Peak to the Valley — 1 Year Working in the Travel Industry
Part 1: The Peak
They say you need to hit rock bottom before reaching the top.
I somehow managed to get that crossed.
So, we might as well start at the top. What’s it look like up there?
I think we’ve all had that thought cross our mind at some point; “wouldn’t it be great to have a job related to what you personally love”. That for me was travel. Always a part of my life, but just one that never crossed my mind as a career when I was younger, so I just never considered it an occupation.
I believe this really hit me hard in 2018 during a paternity trip through the Southern Hemisphere and getting back to taking photographs and writing small catch copy as seen to the left.
(I did think for a moment watching this guy, is it too late to become a surfer???)
At the time, working in a large technology company with great benefits, stability, and probably a ‘safe’ career to pursue, there was a big void in me that just felt I had to give it a try and pursue.
How do you get your dream job?
Following up and giving it a go
I was determined to find a way to break into the travel industry at this point. I had met people over the years who worked in the field and always said, “that’s my dream job”.
How do you really get your ‘dream job’ though?
Perhaps this will be a second article to follow, but I think it comes down to a few key things.
1.) Vision and perseverance
2.) Timing and opportunity
That combination came together in the summer of 2019, and couldn’t have been a better time to join the global wave of travel and international business that was booming at the time.
Life at the Peak
Yes, I will admit, the air up there is very nice. The views spectacular and watching the world below operate in its normalcy is quite gratifying. I literally felt I was floating.
I soaked it up. I felt on top of the world. A feeling of relief and accomplishment like no other. And yet, I wasn’t finished and felt that NOW is the time to make my legacy and push all my chips in.
$2.9 Trillion Industry Globally
Working in the Travel industry
It was very eye opening to see how this industry works, both the complexities as well as the simplicities in terms of the “way things are done here”.
You also don’t realize just how many people and parts go into making your little vacation possible from the research to marketing to sales, logistics, accommodations, and don’t even get me started on how much technology is involved along the way.
And yes, it is a money making machine!
My highlights working in Travel:
The People
By far, the best people you can work with. Hands down!
I remember attending my first travel conference (WIT) in July 2019, not knowing a soul besides one other person. After 2 days at the conference, I left with more new friends than a I knew what to do with, as well as an epic karaoke night and photo op at Hachiko statue in the rain.
The Places
Naturally, visiting some amazing places (clients) is part of the job.
One of the first accounts I worked on and got to visit was a place I never expected to ever visit in my life — New Caledonia.
Visiting our sister office in Mexico City also was one of the highlights of my time working in the industry. And for the record, I would like to dismiss the preconception that ALL of Mexico City is bad/dangerous. I was thoroughly impressed by the part of the city I stayed and the people couldn’t be any nicer.
And these are just a few of the highlights of the amazing people I have got to know and love during my time working in travel.
Who led the digital transformation of your company?
The Opportunities to Utilize Technology
I was brought on board to start building the foundation of a 10-year road map, incorporating digital services and partnerships, 2020 was the year to kick things off and start the “kaizen” process of transforming into a technology capable organization.
Integrating myself into a new industry, all the while trying to adapt to the new perspectives and familiarities with said technologies was challenging, but also very exciting.
Then, suddenly all plans and long-term strategy was thrown out the window in early March 2020. I however, saw this as a slightly good things, as it would (should) accelerate the digital focus and execution.
As doors were closing and pain points were becoming obvious, opportunities were appearing in my head and I quickly became obsessed with trying to find answers/solutions rather than giving in to the doom and gloom of not (physically) being able to travel.
What came out of this situation was something positive. Something innovative and motivating. It connected people, places, and technology beautifully.
The first online event we ran was a “VIP Watch Party” for our client New Caledonia Tourism, which was originally streamed live to a private audience on a new e-ticketing platform in Japan called Zaiko.
The second broadcast I did as an independent producer was between 2 artists from 2 island nations, half-a-world apart called; “Explore, Dream, Discover Together — Ireland & Japan”.
I could go on and on about this project, as it turned out to be one of the most fulfilling things I’ve personally done. This project also had a live streaming showing and event page on June 29th on Zaiko and is currently archived privately for the time being. A second event will take place however on July 29th in conjunction with the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce. Until then, some highlights can be watched below.
Learn more about 4 technologies that the travel industry can use right now.
This interview by Joy Jarman Walsh gives a good overview of my career and love for travel. Hope you enjoy.
In Conclusion
Well, that felt good. I really need to write again.
This was just a small insider glimpse of what my 1 year working in travel was like. I will try to expand more on some of these areas in future articles and eventually perhaps talk about life in the valley as well. I prefer however to focus on the positives and what can be done moving forward, so welcome the chance to talk with people who also share the same vision.
Thank you for reading and investing your time into hearing about my journey.
