n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Work like hell, listen to your seniors, and never forget your boss doesn’t pay you – your customers do.
n What has been your most embarrassing moment in the travel industry?
Arriving in Malta with plenty of time to change for a very big VIP dinner. I decided to travel unshaven and in my ‘scruffs’, only to be met by a local TV crew and a room full of journalists. To cap it all, I was given a Rolls Royce transfer to my hotel!
n What do you always carry with you to work?
My dog’s lead!My dog is always with me. What is his role you may ask? He is a stress reliever.
n What one thing would you change about your job?
Taking work home. A big mistake when we started Prestige and it’s difficult to stop.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in five years’ time?
There will always be a place for a professional, independent travel agent who knows his market and offers real service.
n Make one prediction about travel in the 21st century:
There will be increased growth in the quality end of the market, with more clients who know what they want and can afford it.
Industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
Trainee travel clerk for Luxitours in Shrewsbury in 1962, Iearned £6 per week.
n What has been your biggest challenge in the travel industry?
Getting Prestige Holidays running 10 years ago – we had the recession and the Gulf War.
n What, apart from your current position, would be your ideal job in travel?
Worldwide five-star deluxe hotel inspector, suite specialist.
n If you weren’t in travel, what would you be doing?
I would be an impoverished musician.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Work like hell, listen to your seniors, and never forget your boss doesn’t pay you – your customers do.
n What has been your most embarrassing moment in the travel industry?
Arriving in Malta with plenty of time to change for a very big VIP dinner. I decided to travel unshaven and in my ‘scruffs’, only to be met by a local TV crew and a room full of journalists. To cap it all, I was given a Rolls Royce transfer to my hotel!
n What do you always carry with you to work?
My dog’s lead!My dog is always with me. What is his role you may ask? He is a stress reliever.
n What one thing would you change about your job?
Taking work home. A big mistake when we started Prestige and it’s difficult to stop.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in five years’ time?
There will always be a place for a professional, independent travel agent who knows his market and offers real service.
n Make one prediction about travel in the 21st century:
There will be increased growth in the quality end of the market, with more clients who know what they want and can afford it.
Personal talk
n What is your star sign?
Leo.
n What would you change about yourself?
I would really like to not smoke any more.
n Which living person do you most respect?
Nelson Mandela, for his courage, humour and charisma.
n What is your greatest regret?
Not starting Prestige Holidays 25 years ago.
n What is your greatest extravagance?
Books. There isn’t any bookshop on earth Iwill go into without spending a couple of hours and lots of money.
n What is your greatest fear?
Lifts.I am rather claustrophobic.
n What is your favourite TV programme/film/book?
My favourite TV programme is NYPDBlue; the film is French Connection and the book is very difficult to choose but Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks or Quarantine by Jim Crace.
n What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited and why?
New England. After more than 30 years in the trade I hadn’t been. Imet so many great people, saw many lovely places and regained the joy of discovery.
n What’s your idea of a great night out?
Friends, food and lots of red wine.
n What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?
I wouldn’t like to go on an activity holiday.
n What would you have put on your gravestone?
Next time I’ll try even harder!
John Dixon
Job title: deputy managing director.
Age: 56.
Born: Shropshire.
Lives: New Forest.
Status: Married to Cheri, son Thomas aged 13.
Education: Ellesmere College and Priory Grammar School, Shrewsbury.
Path to career: started in retail travel as trainee clerk at Luxitours in Shropshire in 1962. Joined French Travel Service in 1967 as sales manager. Became manager at MillbankeTravel in 1968. Joined Cadogan Travel as manager in 1972. Left in 1978 to take up position as general sales manager at PrestigeHolidays. Became deputy managing director in 1989.
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