Claire Simon is the Business Development Manager at Uniworld, working with travel agents across Queensland and Western Australia to help them match the right guest to the right river cruise and grow their river sales. Claire says she is proud to work for a brand that champions purposeful travel, and that “responsible travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term commitment to making travel a force for good. I’m proud to work for a brand that champions purposeful travel.”
Find out what else they had to say in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
I work with travel agents across Queensland and Western Australia to help them match the right guest to the right river cruise and grow their river sales. My passion is for helping agents develop groups as Uniworld has the best groups policy that I’ve ever worked with, so I am usually out and about visiting agents, hosting webinars and attending conferences. Last month it was CLIA Cruise360, next month it’s Helloworld Frontliners. I’m based in Brisbane but I do travel a lot for my job.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Definitely the people! I have worked in travel for 30 years and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Colleagues that I have worked with across my time in New Zealand, Brisbane, Perth and in Sydney, are like family to me. I am a people person and feel lucky to work in a job where we connect with so many wonderful individuals. It’s not just my agents, also connecting with our guests who return from a cruise full of amazing stories, to the fantastic ‘dream team’ I work with every day. For me, it’s the human connections, the shared passion for travel, and the sense of community that make this career so rewarding for me.
Why do you think the travel industry is the best place to work?
I stand by the fact that I have the best job in the world – can you tell I really love it? I love being part of something that brings excitement, inspiration, and genuine connection to people’s lives.
There’s also a real sense of community in travel. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside passionate, supportive people who truly care about what they do. It’s an industry that brings out the best in people.
I actually stepped away from the industry for a couple of years when my children were little, and during that time I worked in a role that was just a job — it felt monotonous, and every day was the same. Coming back to travel reminded me that this isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. I’m doing something I genuinely love, and that makes all the difference.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
Having worked in various roles within the travel industry over the years, I’ve seen a lot of change — especially during COVID, when the shift to webinars and virtual communication became essential. Technology has been a fantastic tool for staying connected and efficient, but for me, nothing beats face-to-face interaction.
Now that we’re returning to more in-person engagement, the challenge is finding the right balance. It’s about making sure I’m connecting meaningfully with agents and making a strong impact with customers, whether that’s online or in person. Each method has its place, but I believe the most lasting relationships are built through genuine, face-to-face conversations.
I’ve recently completed The Travel Corporation’s mentorship program where I was matched with our Head of People and Culture, Tiffany Hunt. It was a fantastic experience that stretched me out of my comfort zone and has definitely helped me grow professionally and given me tools to tackle challenges more confidently.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
One of the biggest challenges in the travel industry is dealing with unpredictability. Global events have a major impact on travel plans and travel operations. Despite the major challenges our industry has endured over the 30 years I’ve been in it, the resilience we’ve shown as an industry and as individuals is second to none. We’ve continually adapted while keeping our client’s needs and well-being at the heart of everything we do.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
When speaking with agents, a common theme that consistently comes up is the rise of AI and how it can be integrated into their businesses. While there is still some hesitation, many are beginning to explore how they can embrace this technology to work smarter, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. Personally, I’m really interested to see where this innovation will take us, and I believe those who adapt early will have a real advantage in staying competitive and relevant in the evolving travel landscape. Someone said at CLIA Cruise360 last week “AI wont take your jobs, but the people using AI just might”. I really think that could be true.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
India! I can see India and cruising on the Ganges really taking off. I was there in June and had a transformational experience. It’s a huge country and we covered a lot of ground on our Uniworld tour – from the bustling big cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, to the rural and calm region of West Bengal cruising on the Ganges. Travellers today are seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences in destinations that offer rich culture, history, and diversity. Many travellers are now looking for something new and immersive — and India delivers on every level.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
Responsible travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term commitment to making travel a force for good. I’m proud to work for a brand that champions purposeful travel. Uniworld’s dedication to sustainable tourism and community engagement is something I’ve experienced first hand. In India, I took part in a couple of Uniworld’s Make Travel Matter experiences, including a visit to the NGO Calcutta Rescue. This initiative connects travellers with impactful local organisations, promoting conscious travel that supports health, education, and social equity. It was a powerful reminder of how travel can create meaningful, lasting change.
Who inspires you most and why?
When I worked at Trafalgar, I had the privilege of working with a truly remarkable woman named Rae Townsend, who sadly has passed away. Rae was the Global CMO an incredible leader, a devoted mum, wife, and friend. She was a true forward thinker, passionate and strong willed. When she believed in an idea, she stood by it wholeheartedly and brought it to life with conviction and creativity.
Rae had a unique ability to carve out her own path, often creating roles that didn’t exist before. Her vision and determination were incredibly inspiring, and she made a lasting impact on everyone around her,including me.
To this day, I often find myself asking, “What would Rae do? What would Rae say?” She’s been a guiding influence in both my career and my journey as a mother. Her legacy continues to inspire me to be bold, authentic, and to lead with heart.
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
I’ve recently invested in a travel steamer, and honestly, I don’t know how I ever managed without it! It’s perfect for when travelling for work or events. I also never travel without my AirPods and iPad, loaded with all the Netflix shows I never get time to watch at home. I love flying because it gives me the chance to catch up on some great series, uninterrupted! Also, I always take a box of tea bags, my own mug – there’s nothing like a proper cuppa when you are far from home.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
Definitely my husband, Andy. Believe it or not, we’ve never had a holiday with just the two of us — it’s always been with our three children. Taking a trip together would be such a special experience and now I think of it, it’s long overdue.
If we could go anywhere, it would be South America. Neither of us has been, and I’d absolutely love to do the Uniworld Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery. It combines adventure, culture, and nature in such a unique way.
