Rocky Mountaineer Regional Sales Manager – APAC, Tony Soden, said having worked outside travel for the last 20 months and recently returned, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and welcome “home” I’ve received.
“I can honestly say, there’s no greater industry. I like to think that if there’s any silver lining from Covid, it’s that we’ve been able to rest, look at what’s important in our businesses, and develop products that will further enhance our clientele’s appetite for travel.”
Find out what else they had to say in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
I work with trade partners across the region to ensure they have all the product knowledge, support and resources required. Most people know about Rocky Mountaineer journeys through the Canadian Rockies, so it’s my job to help educate the trade on our new US route and the optional extras that trade professionals can add on to their client’s vacation.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
In 2020, I left the industry and worked in the Education Technology space which paid the bills. I learned that our skills are transferable to any industry (however there’s not greater industry than the travel industry), hence why I’m back….and Rocky Mountaineer is such an exceptional product to represent!
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I love the fact that I get to talk travel every day, whether it’s with agents planning their client’s holiday, or with family and friends asking what I do for work. It’s easy to be passionate about the amazing travel companies that are out there, and I often pinch myself that I get paid to do this role.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
The biggest challenge is resourcing, given so many great people have left and moved to different industries. Industry leaders need to encourage those who have left to come back – and entice new employees to join.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
The first challenge is enticing guests to book, given current misconceptions about travel. The second challenge is encouraging people to come back and work in travel, given many have moved on to different industries and careers.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
Of course I’d like to say our new US route between Colorado and Utah will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next year! I also think that technology will play a massive role in the way we do business, allowing us to our resources in smarter and more efficient ways, andsales manager roles will be more important than ever.It’s not enough to just be liked by an Agency; you must have the product to back this up.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
Rocky Mountaineer’s new Rockies to the Red Rocks route in the US is the next big thing! It will attract guests who have done the Canadian Rockies, plus bring a new clientele to the brand as younger guests also discover the charm and ease of a two-day rail journey as a part of their American or Canadian adventure. Regardless of whether they choose the new route or one of our flagship, long-standing Canadian routes, a Rocky Mountaineer traveller will enjoy stunning views, wide-open spaces and getting back to nature, which are post-pandemic travel trends.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
The beauty of Rocky Mountaineer destinations is one of the main reasons our guests travel with us, it’s so important we maintain it for future generations. I’m proud of the achievements Rocky Mountaineer has made in the sustainability space: protecting the areas we travel through, using resources wisely, and supporting local communities.
Who inspires you most and why?
I’m so inspired by the trade partners who had to be so resilient during the toughest few years of anyone’s careers. Many had to downsize their offices or work from home, mortgage their homes, let their teams go ,and practically spend more time working on refunds and rebookings for very little return financially for themselves. They are the reason this industry will bounce back to be even bigger and better than pre-Covid!
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
I always pack a collapsible water bottle. It’s so easy to carry and fill up each morning and when you’re on the road it’s so important to stay hydrated.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I’d invite everyone and anyone who has worked in travel in the last two years, given the incredible strain mentally and financially on everyone, because we all know we need a holiday and a celebration!
Contact Email: tsoden@rockymountaineer.com
