Advantage Travel Centres head of business development David Moon tells us how he climbed the ladder in the travel industry
What was your first job in travel?
A ticketing agent for Travelscene. At that time tickets were manually written, so I used to go home with red fingers.
How did you climb the ladder?
I worked hard, took on as many tasks as possible and learnt as much as I could. When the chance to progress came along I was in a position to take full advantage of it.
What does it take to be good at your job?
A broad understanding of the travel industry, some business acumen and a lot of patience. It’s vital to be straight with people and not promise what can’t be delivered.
What are the big challenges in your job?
Ensuring that every one of our members makes the most of the benefits available to them when they join Advantage, and making sure our preferred business partners are well supported.
What’s the best part of your job?
Helping Advantage members develop their business and increase their profitability. It’s rewarding when you see members change their business and achieve the success their hard work deserves.
And the worst?
Having to use the M25.
What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
You only get out what you put in.
If you weren’t working in travel what would you be doing?
I was on the verge of joining the fire brigade before I committed to working in travel.
CV
2004 to present: Head of business development, Advantage Travel Centres
2003: General manager, reservations and operations manager, Travelscene
1995: Reservations manager, Travelscene