| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 21/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 16 |
| Copyright: Other |
people profile
open to question: Carol Bayntun, Ayscough Travel
profileJob title: director of sales, marketing and account management.
Path to career: started in 1975 as trainee auditor. Joined British Airways in 1977 in telephone sales. Left in 1981 to become branch manager at Exchange Travel. Joined Britannic Travel in 1994 as director of sales and marketing. Started at Ayscough Travel in 1995 as director business development, was then promoted to director of sales and is now director sales, marketing and account management.
industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
British Airways – not paid enough.
n What, apart from your current job, would be your ideal job in travel?
The same job but in an office overlooking Sydney Harbour.
n Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
Bryn Jones, my old managing director of Pickfords Travel, for his motivation, always being full of energy and for getting things done.
n What’s the best job you’ve had, apart from your current one?
Being branch manager at Pickfords Travel.
n Which company, apart from your own, do you most admire and why?
Coca Cola, for their brand awareness and business acumen.
n If you weren’t in travel, what would you be doing?
A PEteacher, I just wish Iwas that fit now.
n What single thing have you achieved at work which has given you the most satisfaction?
Winning best independent travel agency two years in succession.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Work hard, play hard and accept every travel opportunity you are offered.
n What one thing would you change about your job?
E-mails – I must receive about 60-70 a day.
n Do you think the growing consolidation in the industry is good for consumers?
In terms of price, yes, in terms of service, no.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in the UK in five years’ time?
About 75% of what there is now in a polarised marketplace.
n Make one prediction about travel in the 21st century:
Wherever they go, people will always want to get there quicker and for less money.
personal talk
n What is your star sign?
Taurus.
n What would you change about yourself?
Being over-sensitive but Ilove people.
n Which living person do you most respect and why?
Daley Thompson, for his dedication and achievement in sport.
n What is your greatest regret?
Not having children but Ihave three adorable goddaughters.
n If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?
Posh Spice – to shop ’til Idrop and then go home to David Beckham – a toy boy!
n Who, apart from your partner, would be your ideal holiday companion and where would you go?
Paul Hogan, because he could show me the parts of Oz that I haven’t seen.
n What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited and why?
Sydney, at Millennium, for the atmosphere and memories.
n What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?
Fishing or coach touring.
n What is your favourite TV programme/film/book?
My favourite programme is Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, the film is Shirley Valentine and the book is Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding.
n What would you have put on your gravestone?
I like it but it’s not as good as shopping!