Eclipse Travel Key Account Manager & Travel Designer, Hilary Dubyk, is as expert as they come on all things Africa.
This week, Travel Monitor caught up with Hilary to discuss her job, the industry and more in Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
In a nutshell my job is to design the perfect Africa holiday for my clients and ensure everything runs smoothly until they return home. I also work to strengthen our relationship with suppliers in Africa and our travel agent partners in Australia and New Zealand.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
The best part about my job is sending clients on their dream safari holiday which they will cherish forever, while at the same time knowing that money from their trip has gone directly to helping local communities and environmental conservation efforts in Africa.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
My biggest challenge is trying to explain to clients why going on safari is (and should be) so much more expensive than any other type of holiday, particularly at the luxury level. Availability is also becoming an increasing challenge as tourism to Africa increases worldwide but the number of safari camps remains the same.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
I think the biggest challenges the travel industry faces as a whole are things out of our control that prevent people from wanting to travel in the first place. So unpleasant things like acts of terrorism, outbreaks of disease, weakening exchange rates, economic recessions… best not to dwell on them though.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
I wish I knew what the next game changer would be so I could use that insider information to get ahead of the curve! But sadly I don’t think we ever know what is actually going to change the game until it does. I suspect it will have to do with a new technology to make travel easier in some way, and I sure do hope it involves a reduction in flying time.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
I am of course biased as it is my personal expertise, but I have seen huge growth in travel to Africa by Aussies and Kiwis in the 6+ years I have worked in this market. Going on safari is on most people’s bucket list and the increasing ease of overseas travel is making it within reach for many more people. I think travel to Africa will continue to grow, particularly in more off-the-beaten-track destinations as people search for authentic experiences away from the crowds. I also am seeing a big trend towards solo travel, particularly from women who are looking for like-minded female travellers to share their overseas adventure with.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try implement this in your workplace?
Responsible tourism is incredibly important to me, and I work hard to ensure that I only use local operators and properties that have programs in place to benefit local communities and economies while also having a minimal impact on the natural environment. Thankfully this is much easier now than when I first started in the industry because the overwhelming shift towards eco-tourism in the past decade. In fact, I am not sure any operators could survive anymore without acting responsibly!
Who inspires you most and why?
Ever since reading his books in university my definitive answer to this question is Paul Farmer. Paul co-founded Partners in Health and has dedicated his life to examining the consequences of social inequality on health and raising the standard of health care for the world’s poorest people.
What is your must pack travel item(s)?
I don’t get much time to read anymore in my busy daily life so when I’m travelling I always pack a good book and aim to finish it before I return home. My other must pack items are 50+ sunscreen and a hat (sun safety!), good walking shoes because I spend a lot of time exploring on foot, and a bathing suit because you can always find somewhere to swim. Oh and of course my passport.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I would love to take my parents, who live in the USA, on an incredible safari with me so they can finally experience what I am so passionate about. I would have a hard time narrowing down the destinations though, so we would need a couple of months to get everywhere in Africa I want to show them!
You can contact Hilary by email at hilary@eclipsetravel.com.au
