Anne Lee has just joined The Travel Corporation as Trade Marketing Manager. Here she reveals some of her favourite places around the world…and her hatred for custard.
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: When I was 14, I was the dishwasher at a local pub and then promoted to making the desserts. It taught me a great lesson in saving my money. I earnt a whole £9 for a shift and in those days that went a long way.
It taught me that I just loved earning my own money and a sense of achievement from that. It also taught me that I never want to see custard again!
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: Ensure that I make time to speak to people and ask questions to get the bigger picture of my job function. It certainly pays to talk to as many people in as many areas of the company as possible to see how it all fits together.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Do it! It really is the best job. Yes, there are stressful times but that is the same in all jobs. Keep an open mind and be inquisitive.
Network and go to as many events and networking opportunities as possible as this industry is full of fascinating people and experiences just as the world is.
Q: What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
A: Slow down. Be grateful for what is close to home. Compassion and empathy for others.
I think right now everyone is so over stretched and under the pump in all aspects of the industry and we do not know just yet what the new business as usual’ is so we just still need to be mindful of this and be patient and continue to support each other.
Q: Aisle or window seat and why?
A: Aisle seat to be able to get up freely, especially on long haul flights.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?
A: Say hello to whoever in the team is there and check in with them before getting head down to the tasks at hand.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world and why?
A: Vanuatu the people are just so wonderful and you can really slow down and just feel a sense of what matters in life.
Kenya wow, the plains of Africa you just can’t beat. Seeing animals in their natural habitat and learning from a land said to be where the first people were found just feels bigger than anything else.
Sri Lanka had the most magical honeymoon there but also it was the people that made it for me. The resilience, kindness and love of cricket is astonishing!
I also will say Basingstoke where is that you ask? Well, it’s home in the motherland to me and home is where the heart is!
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with TTC?
A: There is so much! The people and experience in this company is wonderful. I look forward to learning from everyone and supporting our wonderful travel agents to sell the best fitting holidays for their clients.
I also believe that the travel industry can do so much good and TTC’s mission with Making Travel Matter with impactful purpose is a key element of my profession that I want to be able to champion.
Competition Q4: Does Tour de Vines pay agent commission on tour bookings?
