Adventure World Managing Director Neil Rodgers reminds the industry to celebrate resilience as “who bounces back as good as the travel industry?”.
Find out what else they had to say in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
When you are an independent family wholesaler it’s a bit of everything (all encompassing). Global calls all times of day and night with the team in the US, Canada (Treadright) and the UK as well as meeting with partners (Animals Asia). Meeting agents face to face and hearing what they need.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
They aren’t difficulties as much as opportunities. Working with Travel Corporation who are a century old this year, we worked more as a team rather than competitors. It gave us the opportunity to stand back and review the company and what worked and what didn’t and do better in the future and focus more on our Travel with Purpose ethos.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
The variety. And the fact it’s travel, it’s fun. To be travelling again is also amazing.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
Getting people to value their worth. It’s great to see agents now charging for their services. The challenge is getting air time with agents and getting them off to see the product/destination again and away from their desk.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
It’s too easy to revert back to previous practices and old behaviours. Take this time and learnings to build back better. For example – printed brochures, single-use plastics, printing paper for the sake of it, big expos. I’d encourage partners to rethink this. Don’t discount products. If anything add value.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
Airlift/air schedules that are direct to the destination. Everybody is travelling in the high-end category but we need more in the mid-market who need to find availability.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
India – Has one of the seven wonders of the world, incredible wildlife, tourism bodies are re-entering the market and it’s on everyone’s bucketlist.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
It is our ethos – Travel with Purpose…it’s “teach not preach”. It’s been in our DNA for the past 40 years and it’s why people come to work for us. Not to be afraid to be at the forefront. It will be the people power who makes the difference.
Who inspires you most and why?
Jill Robinson, CEO – Animals Asia (and you will know why – this speaks for itself)
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
Credit card.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
My mom and dad (on the farm in Ireland) take them to Africa on a safari as it’s been on their bucket list for years.
Contact Email: Neil.rodgers@adventureworld.com
