n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
The chances of becoming rich are so slim, so work hard for the fulfilment and fun it will give, only then will you stand a chance of becoming rich.
n What percentage of holiday bookings do you estimate will be taken direct by the year 2000?
The growth will be steady but old habits die hard. People will choose based on the professionalism of the high-street agent versus the call centres.
n Do you have a Web site and if so how many bookings do you receive on it?
Yes we do, the address is www.international.worldspan.com. It does not accept reservations, we develop those for our clients.
n Do you think the growing consolidation in the industry is good for consumers?
For price it is great, Ijust hope the agents retain a supply of independent product to ensure that all consumers are catered for.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in the UK in five years’ time?
About the same. The mix will be different and the look probably very different but with more customer interactive screens and terminals.
Industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
Sales representative for Thomson Holidays, I earned £2,300 a year.
n Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
Peter Grant, my first manager at Thomson Holidays. I learned so many skills from him that Istill use today.
n What has been your most embarrassing moment in the travel industry?
Escorting 14 note-taking travel agents into a mini-suite at a luxury hotel only to find the bedroom occupied by a couple involved in mid-afternoonrest and relaxation.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
The chances of becoming rich are so slim, so work hard for the fulfilment and fun it will give, only then will you stand a chance of becoming rich.
n What percentage of holiday bookings do you estimate will be taken direct by the year 2000?
The growth will be steady but old habits die hard. People will choose based on the professionalism of the high-street agent versus the call centres.
n Do you have a Web site and if so how many bookings do you receive on it?
Yes we do, the address is www.international.worldspan.com. It does not accept reservations, we develop those for our clients.
n Do you think the growing consolidation in the industry is good for consumers?
For price it is great, Ijust hope the agents retain a supply of independent product to ensure that all consumers are catered for.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in the UK in five years’ time?
About the same. The mix will be different and the look probably very different but with more customer interactive screens and terminals.
Personal talk
n What is your star sign?
Cancer.
n What would you change about yourself?
Be less sensitive and lose a few pounds!
n Which living person do you most respect?
Sir John Harvey Jones, former chairman of ICIand trouble-shooter. For his down to earth attitude and vision.
n What is your greatest regret?
Giving up my ambition to be a pilot.
n What is your greatest extravagance?
My Bang andOlufsen hi-fi and the related CDs I buy each month.
n If you could be anyone for a day who would it be and why?
It would have to be Eamonn Holmes, so I could sit on the sofa with Fiona Phillips.
n What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited and why?
Thailand, for it’s happy people, contrasts and colour.
n What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?
Anything featuring tents, caravans and lack of constant hot water.
n What is your favourite TV programme/film/book?
I am so sad, my favourite TVprogramme is Airport or Airline! The film would have to be Pretty WomanÉ I love to see Julia Roberts singing in the bath. I don’t have a favourite book.
n What would you have put on your gravestone?
Please step back, you’re in my sun.
John Joinson
Job title: UKcountry manager.
Age: 45.
Born: Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Lives: Stubbington, Near Fareham, Hampshire.
Status: married to Sheila.
Education: Southern Grammar School.
Path to career: joined Thomson Holidays in 1979 as a sales representative. In 1986 was approached to join Meon Villa Holidays/Silk Cut Faraway Holidays as agency sales manager. Joined AlamoRent ACar in 1989 as international sales manager progressing to general manager for reservations and customer service. Joined Worldspan in 1993 as training and documentation specialist, quickly moving through the ranks to project manager, account manager and then to current position.