| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 55 |
| Copyright: Other |
This week: Gary David, managing director, Cadogan Holidays
Age: 37
meetthe
MD
This week: Gary David, managing director, Cadogan Holidays
Age: 37
I THINK I entered the travel industry rather by default. I had failed my Maths O’ Level and wasn’t allowed to enter the estate agency course that I had set my heart on at Manchester Central College. Because of the missing grade, the only course the college would let me go on was travel and tourism.During my course I worked as a sales clerk for Peltours Travel, which gave me a really good grounding in the ways of the travel industry. I got first-hand experience of what motivates people and how it is often the more junior staff who take on a lot of the responsibility. Just because someone holds a ‘lowly’ position in an organisation you should never underestimate their influence on those around them.
I’ve always held a strong belief in my abilities and so, when an opportunity to move to another company came along, I jumped at it.
Faith in myself enabled me to carry out the job and within two years I had become manager of two of the group’s branches.
My move into tour operating took place when the person in charge of that side of things at Tinos Travel left and I was asked to take over her job as an additional responsibility. I was managing director at 21 years of age. This position introduced me to Malta which is an important part of the current Cadogan programme.
Still only 24 years, I applied for the job of managing director at Speedwing, despite the fact that I was somewhat younger than the 35-years’ plus candidate being sought. I came clean about my age at the interview and was delighted to be offered the job.
My strong sense of self belief leads on to my equally strong opinions on the state of the UK travel industry. I firmly believe that the perpetual consolidation we are experiencing will benefit the independent tour operator and travel agent in the long term.
Contrary to popular opinion, consumers do not like to aimlessly follow the herd. Discerning individuals will always want dedicated advice and the feeling that they are getting a holiday different to their next-door neighbours. Independent agents and tour operators have the knowledge and expertise to secure repeat customers.
As managing director of an independent tour operator I feel it is my duty to impart this belief as strongly as possible wherever I go. Without a firm assurance of what you are doing, how can you expect to get the best out of your staff and suppliers alike?
It was for this reason that I founded TIPTO (Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation) in 1999. The UK’s leading independent specialist holiday companies needed a central voice to communicate with independent travel agents. This experience has enriched my role as managing director and made me believe more than ever in the importance of independence. The benefits of offering support to like-minded companies and travel agents has developed into a ‘win-win’ situation all round.
Self-awareness is an important quality for any leader to possess. I always knew the right time to move on and this helped me progress my career at a rapid pace. Likewise, it is just as important to know when to stay committed to an organisation. Challenges and prosperity can often be better cultivated in a company which you’ve been a part of for more than five years. This is my eleventh year with Cadogan Holidays and I’ve never been more motivated.
It is very satisfying to work for a company which is consistently providing excellent holidays to clients who come back for more. This comes down to attention to detail, which is very important to maintain, even for a managing director. I read every customer questionnaire we receive and take on board the comments that they make. Likewise, I am always pleased to hear feedback from agents who participate in our regular specially targeted educationals programme.
I am glad I didn’t end up as an estate agent. The travel industry has more continuity than property. Once you’ve sold a house you’ll probably never see the customer again but if you provide a good holiday you’ve got a client for life.
CURRICULUM VITAE
1979-80: Peltours Travel, started as a sales
clerk which offered a strong grounding in the way the travel
industry operates.
director.
director.
MY TOP TIPS
l Don’t be scared to say what you think – people will respect you for it in the long term.
* Don’t let small obstacles, like the odd exam result, get in your way.
* Believe in your own ability.
* Remember, if you provide good quality service you’ll have a client for life.
* For men, always remember to wear a good quality tie.
* Don’t feel that you have to attend every social event in the industry calendar in order to be effective at what you do.
* Always remember that the client is king.