Rich Leonard is the General Manager for Asia & Pacific at Rail Europe. With rail travel across Europe picking up and becoming a popular way to travel while avoiding the airports, Travel Monitor had a chat with Rich about his job and all things rail in this week’s Talking Travel.
This is what he had to say.
What does your job involve?
Managing all commercial activity for Rail Europe across the region.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
To tackle the Covid19 Pandemic, we restructured, light-ended business and took the time to fast-track new technology and a changed business approach.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I enjoy the dynamic, challenging and fast-paced nature of the role.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
A challenge is technology and how it interfaces with people – sometimes it helps, but sometimes it hinders.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
A big challenge to the industry is lost IP from mass movement away from the travel industry as a result of the Covid19 pandemic.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
Airline capacity will be the biggest game changer in the coming year.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
Europe.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
We are driven by the product we sell, trains, the most sustainable form of transport!
Who inspires you most and why?
It is varied and changes, but at present would have to say our older citizens of the world, all that they have faced and still be able to cope and take on life!
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
Minties!
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I would take my parents to Europe.
Contact Email: rleonard@raileurope.com