Industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
With Hamilton Travel as the financial controller, at slightly above the minimum wage but below Bill Gates.
n If you weren’t in travel, what would you be doing?
Something involved in sport – coaching Anna Kournikova would be fun.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Always look to improve on everything that you do and learn to play golf!
n Do you have a Web site and if so how many bookings do you receive on it?
We are constantly developing our site to be as informative and user friendly as possible. We are planning on-line booking facility for agents later this year.
n What percentage of holiday bookings do you estimate will be taken direct by 2000?
Slightly more than now.
n Do you think the growing consolidation in the industry is good for consumers?
Eventually, yes, although in the short term, the consumer isn’t the number one consideration. Competition is the key for the customer, although distribution is the key for suppliers.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in the UK in five years’ time?
There will always be good quality agents who will adapt to the market. It will be harder to be successful in the future, but this is the case in every industry.
n Do you agree with travel agents charging a fee?
If that is part of a travel agent’s overall strategy and the agent is confident of being able to justify a fee, then it is perfectly reasonable.
Dave Sadler
Job title: commercial director.
Age: 27.
Born: Wexford, Ireland.
Lives: Wimbledon,London.
Education: Westcliff High School, Essex.
Path to career: Joined accountancy firm BDOStoy Hayward in 1990 from school andqualified as a chartered accountant. Left after five years for a12-monthround-the-world trip before returning for the role at Hamilton Travel.Was made a director in July 1998.
Personal talk
n What would you change about yourself?
My inability to actually go to the gym after paying my membership.
n What is your greatest regret?
Not pursuing sport as a career.
n When was the last time you did someexercise?
Last night when I ran to catch the bus home.
n What is your greatest extravagance?
Snowboarding.
n If you could be anyone for a day who would it be and why?
Bill Clinton – he seems to know how to have a good time!Or maybe Noel Gallagher
n What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited and why?
Vietnam for the people, and Sydney for obvious reasons
n Which living person do you most respect?
Nelson Mandela for standing up for his beliefs with such dignity.
n Which sports do you love and which do you hate?
I could watch or play just about any sport except horse racing – it’s just not a sport you can play with your friends at the weekend!
n What’s the corniest chat-up line you’ve used?
So which one of the All Saints are you?… and it is always surprisingly successful!
n What would you have put on your gravestone?
Do not disturb.
n What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?
Golfing – you don’t need it if you work in travel!
n What is your star sign?
Taurus.