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Andrew Hartley, head of conference and special events, the Rank Group

Education and training: GSCEs, A’ levels and a leisure management degree from Thames Valley University, which had a main focus on tourism.

First travel job: took a summer job in Santa Cruz, California in 1993 – a similar amusement park to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Worked as a games operator.

Career path: during his time at university, Andrew took a work placement at the Landmark Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. After leaving university, Andrew worked for Inter-Continental Hotels and Resorts, which was based at the Forum Hotel in South Kensington, London. He specialised in working at the front office and undertook a management programme which enabled him to move from room attendant to duty manager in two years. After three years at the Forum Hotel, Andrew felt ready for a larger challenge. He was particularly interested in a sales role so he joined Rank Holidays as head of conference and special events.

Advice for people wishing to develop a career in travel: “The industry is very social and fun to be part of – so take every opportunity to go out and meet people. Grab every chance to take trips abroad – you may never get the chance to go to that part of the world again. Work hard and play hard is the best way to succeed in the travel industry.”