open to question: Melanie Brentnall, Applause

open to question: Melanie Brentnall, Applause

Job title: general manager, Applause.

Age: 35.

Born: Teddington Lock.

Lives: Isleworth, Middlesex.

Status: single – until June!

Education: 10 O’ levels, three A’ levels, Sandown High School, Isle of Wight, BA (Hons) Hhistory,Goldsmiths’ College, London.

Path to career: 1986-1988 Heritable and General Investment Bank, administration assistant toHomestead Finance brand deputy manager;1988-1997 Ticketmaster UK, sales executive to groups and travel trade sales manager; 1997-1999 First Call Group, group and travel trade salesmanager; 1999 to present day Applause, head of business development before becoming general manager.

&#42 What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?

My first job connected with the trade was at a major competitor on the princely amount of £8,500 plus commission.

&#42 What has been your biggest challenge in the travel industry?

Completing the Applause Internet site from initial idea to seeing live bookings flooding through. I practically had to learn another language.

&#42 What has been your most embarrassing moment in the travel industry?

Taking a group of agents and tour operators on an educational theatre evening to see the show and meet the cast afterwards. We ended up drinking until 2pm, with several clients propped up against an equally befuddled Robert Powell, while the marketing agency and bar staff wanted us to go home.

&#42 What, apart from your current position, would be your ideal job in travel?

Today it would be as a tour rep in a tropical location, but tomorrow maybe working as an agent at home and the next day running Crystal Holidays or Bridge Travel Services.

&#42 If you weren’t in travel, what would you be doing?

Floristry, a subject in which I recently completed a course. I totally enjoy the creativity.

&#42 When will digital TV start to have a big impact on bookings?

In entertainment ticketing we are already selling live on Sky Open and NTL and it works well, especially in areas such as Cardiff and Manchester.

&#42 What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?

Enjoy it. There is no area as rewarding and the world is your oyster.

&#42 How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in the UK in five years’ time?

Thousands, but whether they are on the high street, working at home, in a call centre or Internet company is another matter.

&#42 Make one prediction about travel in the 21st century:

More people will wish to open their horizons and travel will flourish.

&#42 What is your star sign?

Aries – good fun but headstrong.

&#42 What would you change about yourself?

Like most girls, my face, body, hair, eyes….

&#42 What is your greatest regret?

Not continuing my education. Not because it has halted my career, but because Iloved my degree area: Viking Europe… rape, pillage, jealousy, treasure!

&#42 If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

David O’Leary, Leeds United manager, on the day we win the European Championship!

&#42 Who, apart from your partner, would be your ideal holiday companion and where would you go?

The gorgeous historical TV presenter Michael Wood. We could travel Greece and Turkey while he taught me about thehistory of the countries.

&#42 What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited and why?

Martinique, in the West Indies. I stayed with a friend’s Martiniquan family and enjoyed hidden beaches, lobster roasts, parties with the locals and wicked rum punches.

&#42 What’s your idea of a great night out?

Brilliant food, fine wines and superb company. Actually, I was taken to Le Mirabelle by our recruitment consultant Kelly Strong and got all four.

&#42 How do you relax?

Now that would be telling!

&#42 What type of holiday would you avoid?

Acruise. Urgh, no escape!