What’s the most important thing you learned in school?
The most important thing I learned in school was how to work with clients. During my study abroad I learned the skill of bringing a conceptual idea to a product, which I feel is incredibly useful going into the industry.
Why did you choose to study travel, tourism or hospitality?
I chose to study tourism after working for a year in Whistler. That year taught me that I didn’t want to go into my initial hope of studying social work, and instead wanted to stay in the tourism industry and continue to grow within it.
What is your greatest professional strength?
My greatest professional strength is my dependability and flexibility. I love to learn and am always interested in trying multiple roles within an industry. This is a good strength to have as it helps me remain flexible under any circumstances.
In your opinion, what's the most exciting trend in travel, tourism or hospitality right now and why?
Right now I think that the focus on Indigenous tourism is super exciting and important. As someone who was born and raised in Canada, I think this form of tourism is important as it is their land and they have a lot to teach anyone who is willing to listen. This also provides tourists with authentic experiences which is always exciting when travelling to a new destination.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
In the year ahead I have a lot that I would like to accomplish. I’ve just started an operations coordinator role with a tour company and I really hope to grow and learn from them. The company’s mentorship is excellent and I can’t wait to continue to learn. I also am hoping to explore what potential I have of moving to Europe, as I feel like this is an excellent place to build a career in tourism.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to be living in Europe (probably in Austria or Germany, but there are so many incredible places) working in destination management and having the opportunity to travel occasionally for work. I want to be dedicated to my work while still being allowed the flexibility to travel occasionally with my family.
What are some of the top places you want to see in Canada and why?
There are two destinations in Canada that I dream of seeing. The first is the Yukon — I think this destination would be incredible and I hope I’ll get to visit there soon. The second destination is my biggest goal, and that is Churchill, Manitoba. I’ve done endless reading and watched some films about the area and it looks incredible. I also love wildlife and would love to see the polar bears and beluga whales that call Churchill home. I find it hilarious that you aren’t supposed to lock your car doors in Churchill in case someone runs into a polar bear and needs a safe place to hide.
What do you do to engage in travel, tourism or hospitality mindfully/sustainably?
Within the travel and tourism industry, I really try to engage in a regenerative way. I don’t just want to be mindful and sustainable, I want to try to give back to the community each time I go. Sometimes this is as simple as picking up garbage that I see when travelling, and sometimes this is more meaningful. For example, I completed a service trip during high school where I helped to plant gardens in local communities in Bali. I try to do little things even when I’m not on a service-style trip.
Name your favourite travel or hospitality experience so far:
My favourite travel experience was when I completed a whale watching tour with Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours. I was around twelve years old when I took this tour and had recently watched the documentary Blackfish, so I was fascinated by killer whales and couldn’t wait to see them in the wild. The day we were meant to take the tour it was super stormy and so they scheduled us onto the next day. Our guide immediately started talking to me and when he discovered I liked Blackfish, he told me about how he used to live in Vancouver and would sneak over the aquarium’s fence at night to feed the whales because he didn’t feel they were being fed enough — and one of these whales was Tilikum. This was exciting to me and from there I was hooked on his every word during the tour. When our tour was meant to end we saw the “superpod,” when many of the whale pods came together. From the guide’s explanation, this doesn’t happen very often, so he let us stay out longer to watch them play. This experience was incredible and has left me striving to understand my guests’ interests so I can amplify their experiences like that guide did for me.
Name your greatest achievement so far:
My greatest achievement so far is to graduate from this bachelor’s degree program in three years instead of four. It was a lot of work and all done while working close to full time, but it means I can really start to move into a career position.
What’s the best OR worst piece of travel advice you’ve received?
The best piece of travel advice I’ve received is to make sure you have free time on your trip. Don’t plan your trip minute by minute, take it slow and that way you can do what you see on your trip and suddenly want to do. Be flexible and try everything!
What destination is next on your dream travel list and why?
The destination next on my travel list is Norway. I would love to experience the natural beauty of Norway and be able to immerse myself in the culture. The Northern Lights is also one of my favourite things to see, so I would love to see them again in a place that has become so famous for them. Being able to integrate the natural beauty with the cultural charm would be my ultimate goal when visiting Norway.
