Belle Escapes Central Coast General Manager Ryan South is grateful to still be able to work in this wonderful industry when so many in the travel industry continue to have enormous challenges.
Travel Monitor caught up with Ryan to discuss his job, challenges, achievments and more in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
As General Manager for Belle Escapes Central Coast it is my role to ensure that our guests have a perfect escape. The Central Coast team are experts at seeking out beautiful homes in stunning locations to be part of the Belle Escapes portfolio. We thrive on getting the best outcomes for owners and delighting our guests. Our Property Concierges are ready and waiting to plan the perfect holiday for families, couples and groups of friends.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
When the initial shutdown occurred and travel restrictions were put in place, it was a very difficult time for everyone in the hospitality and travel industries. But as we emerged from those first few months and regional travel was once again allowed, there was huge demand for accommodation in regional areas like the Central Coast. The Belle Escapes team has been busier than ever and as we tripled our holiday home capacity, we’ve been in a position to hire more people and grow the business. Like all businesses, we have implemented COVID safe protocols and we continue to follow government advice. And through it all, we’ve continued to offer great service to all our guests.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I am new to this role but I have spent my entire career working in hospitality. It’s an industry where you meet wonderful people, make great friends and get to travel (usually). And this role is no exception – I am working with a great team and I have the privilege of helping to create magical holiday memories for our guests.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
The biggest challenge at the moment is capacity. We need more homes to fill the demand for guests wanting to enjoy a stay on the Central Coast. We are sitting at around 100 homes at the moment and would love more!
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Previously I would have said the biggest challenge for holiday homes will come when international borders reopen but I am now of the opinion that many guests have experienced how wonderful and easy a holiday in a regional area can be compared to the challenges of travelling internationally. We have amazing experiences here on the Central Coast and it is so close to Sydney. There is a reason why so many guests end up buying their own holiday home after an experience with Belle Escapes.
What do you think will be the biggest game-changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
From my point of view, I’m seeing a big shift in the way people view holiday homes and I think they are increasingly moving into hotel territory, which is why I’ll be bringing a lot of my hotel experience to Belle Escapes. Over the next 12 months, we will be looking to further increase our personalised offering for guests to ensure their stay is even more memorable. Stay tuned for more on Belle’s personalised luxury service experience for guests who are looking for something extra special.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
The Coast is a real hot spot as Australians are forced to travel nearby and explore their own backyard. It’s a destination that offers the chance to relax by the sea and indulge in the finer things in life just like in Bali or Thailand or the Med, only closer. As we head into the cooler months, the spotlight will be on the Coast’s beautiful country homes and we’re looking forward to showcasing the “Bowral” side of the region as we incorporate more hinterland properties into the portfolio. These estates offer the best of both worlds. You can have your country experience whilst still within a short drive of the beach and all the great food and beverage offerings the Central Coast is becoming famous for from freshly shucked oysters to locally distilled gin.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
We are proud to work with some forward-thinking and eco-conscious home owners who are leading the way with sustainability measures. A number of homes already have chargers for electric vehicles with more looking to install them. While many of our homes have solar power and water tanks. Staying local and visiting regional areas can also cut out the huge carbon emissions associated with long haul travel.
Who inspires you most and why?
I have been lucky in my life and career to be surrounded by many inspirational family, friends and colleagues. I am looking forward to working with Belle Property Central Coast Principal Cathy Baker who I’ve known for many years and have always admired. She is a force to be reckoned with and I know I’m going to learn a lot from her. I have also been inspired by how all my hospitality and travel colleagues have kept their heads up through this incredibly trying time. And a shout out to my son, who is 2 years old, and my wife, who have kept me going through these past 12 months and inspire me every day.
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
A surfboard or a snowboard.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I have a group of friends that I go snowboarding with in Japan and Canada. We have been going together every year since 2009. We usually go in February or March and we have now missed the last two seasons so I cannot wait for our families to get together on the slopes in 2022.
Contact Email – ryan.south@belleproperty.com
