Travel Monitor caught up with Janine Gowenlock to discuss more of the travel industry in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
Marketing, product development, media, famils and networking for our seven accommodation properties in outback NSW and tour company, Tri State Safaris. I work in a multitude of ways to promote tourism and inspire domestic and international travellers to try something different. I am also in charge of promoting group travel so that as a business we can provide travellers different options of accommodation, food, drinks, experiences and adventure as the one-stop-shop hospitality and tourism destination in far west NSW.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I enjoy the diversity of people coming to experience the outback and the various platforms we use to engage with travellers i.e. digital, traditional and just through the networks you build over time and the other business operators in the region.
I also like the sense of community and support in outback NSW.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
Really getting the word out there and promoting how beautiful the NSW outback is and how much it has to offer. We want to engage with international travellers and the biggest challenge is tapping into the wholesalers, ITOs and FIT travellers in their home country to come and see something different in Australia and that’s the outback of NSW. There is so much on offer from the wildlife, flora, fauna, Aussie characters, sunrises and sunsets, art, Aboriginal culture, lakes, river systems and the amazing outback skies.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Accessibility to remote regions through rail, flights and self-drive. Drought also puts pressure on businesses.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
The digital movement, also known as the travel butterfly effect.
We are moving beyond experience into transformative travel where people want to be moved, shifted or changed in some way, Instagram and the likes is a great platform to promote untouched soil. People want to travel to open their minds and open their eyes.
Who inspires you most and why?
My Dad because he is a retired 72yr old and still has the travel itch. He has seen the world and continues to take my mother on a journey every year. He is all about research, planning and action. I think that’s what life all is about – keeping your finger on the pulse but also keeping a bit of spontaneity for those short trips around Australia and getting the best deals when they pop up. It’s about being active in the mind and in the heart.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go? (Can be multiple people)
For me personally, the Dalai Lama, for his insights and wisdom – he would shed a different light in the way I see travel, culture and people.
And of course my daughter and partner – they will always be top of my list. There are so many places to see and experience. I want to enjoy it all with them.
Company Website – outoftheordinaryoutback.com.au
Contact Email – janine@ootoo.com.au
IMAGE: Janine Gowenlock
