| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 14/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 16 |
| Copyright: Other |
people profile
open to question: Moncef Battikh, Tunisian National Tourist Officeprofile
Job title: head of promotions.
Path to career: joined TNTOLondon as trade andexhibitions executive in 1973. Became sales manager for Alphatours in 1983 and became general manager in 1984. Became promotions manager for TNTO London in 1987. In 1991 became consultant for TARSADLeisure. In 1992 joined Tunisian Agency for External Commercial as mediaco-ordinator. Took current TNTO position in 1995.
industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
In 1976, I was a hotel receptionist in Earl’s Court and was paid £40 a week.
n What has been your biggest challenge in the travel industry?
Changing misconceptions about Tunisia.
n What has been your most embarrassing moment in the travel industry?
I accompanied the minister of tourism to Wentworth golf course.Ihad never played golf before, when asked what my handicap was, Imisunderstood and said “none”. I was then obliged to play.
n What’s the best job you’ve had, apart from your current one?
Between two desk jobs, I worked as an impresario for international artists.
n Which company, apart from your own, do you most admire and why?
I admire Virgin Atlantic. Despite his position and wealth, Sir Richard Branson has remained down to earth and keen to help others.
n If you weren’t in travel, what would you be doing?
I would otherwise be an agent for up-and-coming international artists.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Listen, learn and act.
n What one thing would you change about your job?
I wish I could meet more agents.
n What percentage of holiday bookings do you estimate will be taken direct in five years’ time?
About 25%.
n Do you have a Web site and if so, how many bookings do you receive on it?
The Web site can be found at www.tourismtunisia.co.uk but it’s for promotion only.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in the UK in five years’ time?
A substantial number, people will always want some human contact.
n Make one prediction about travel in the 21st century:
The best agents will flourish and be as valued as classic cars.
personal talk
n What is your star sign?
Cancer.
n What would you change about yourself?
Lose a few pounds in weight.
n Which living person do you most respect and why?
Paul McCartney, for the way he has dealt with personal tragedy.
n If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?
Bill Clinton, to see how it feels to be on top of the world.
n Who, apart from your partner, would be your ideal holiday companion and where would you go?
Tina Turner – we would go to Lake Tahoe.
n What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited?
Havana for it’s culture and Lake Tahoe, California for its scenery.
n What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?
All-inclusive.
n What is your favourite TV programme/film/book?
My programme is Top Gear, the film is Spartacus and the book is Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.
n What’s your idea of a great night out?
Theatre and a Thai restaurant.
n How do you relax?
Walking and listening to music.
n What would you have put on your gravestone?
No regrets.