Ramada Shoal Bay General Manager, Nik Commons, feels that tourism committees have room to be more diverse when it comes to their promotion of businesses.
“Share the love,” Nik adds.
Travel Monitor sat down for a chat with Nik for this week’s Talking Travel, and this is what he had to say.
What does your job involve?
My job involves supervising the resort’s day-to-day operations, the resort’s staff and, most importantly, interacting with the guests. I personally welcome VIP guests, generally solve problems and work on projects to enhance the guest experience.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
I find that it is important to have an open mind about how it impacts different people in different ways. I have personally followed all government guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and have explained the importance of this to my staff. I also have an open-door policy and welcome anyone to come in and have a chat if they are in need. COVID-19 has put a strain on all of us and I believe we just need to be mindful of each other.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I enjoy the customer interaction. It is fascinating to meet people from all walks of life. This can include people of different nationalities, to people who have had an interesting professional work background. Personally, I have been fortunate to meet famous actors, singers, sports professionals, royals, people from the sciences and even an astronaut who walked on the moon. I am not one to name drop, but some names like Sean Penn, Gene Simmons, Prince Charles & William, Patch Adams and Buzz Aldrin do come to mind.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
The biggest challenge is to catch up in a timely manner on the postponed projects and training that occurred during COVID-19. Staff recruitment through this time has also been challenging.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
I would say reconfiguring after COVID-19. This will include reviewing the staff levels and services that can be maintained whilst the world travel is restricted or closed. Restricting overseas travel has affected many tourism businesses that have typically relied on large foreign groups as their base business. As international borders reopen, there may also be a threat of overseas visitors selecting cheaper options and countries as alternative holiday destinations, as their own financial situation may have been impacted by COVID-19.
What do you think will be the biggest game-changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
The completion of the COVID-19 vaccination program will be the biggest game-changer. This will give all Australians confidence to finally travel freely throughout the country, which will be particularly beneficial for regional areas. It will also improve confidence in Trans-Tasman travel.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
This is a difficult one to answer as it will depend on which region opens. Australians are hungry to go to Bali, for example, as they find it cost effective. If domestic flights are open and affordable the Great Barrier Reef region could be an alternative. New Zealand is also a favourite.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
I believe responsible travel must include the respect of our wildlife and flora. Holiday locations are often those with great natural beauty so without this respect, our industry will cease to exist. Within the workplace, I encourage sustainable and charitable practices, through recycling; using substitues for single use plastic; creating an environment that fosters diversity and inclusion; and helping to benefit the communities where Wyndham operates through our philanthropic program, Wishes by Wyndham.
Who inspires you most and why?
There have been many people who have been inspiring throughout my career. My first hotel General Manager Mr. Eric Stettner was one of the most important; However, one person that may come as a surprise, is Gene Simmons of KISS. Today he is known as very successful musician and businessman worth hundreds of millions, however not many know that behind his persona, he doesn’t drink or smoke and came to America at the age of 8 not speaking English, in the care of his single mother. He has a very strong work ethic and self-belief that many could learn from. He is also very philanthropic, financially supporting a couple of thousand children in Africa, health through the organization “Mending Kids” and the US military focussing on veterans. His music ain’t bad either!
What is your must pack travel item(s)?
My electric toothbrush and an extra mobile phone lead.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I’d go on a romantic trip to France.
Contact Email – Nik.Commons@wyn.com
