Industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
I worked at Hotel Norwich as a porter. I was paid £16.50 a week plus accommodation.
n Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
Carol Scott, chairwoman of Imperial Car Rental. She started her own company as she was disappointed with the service offered by the major players.
n What percentage of holiday bookings do you estimate will be taken direct by the year 2000?
I guess about 4%.
n How long do you expect it will be before a significant number of bookings are made by digital television?
Not until 2006. I would guess the younger generation will use digital TV.
n If you weren’t in travel, what would you be doing?
I would love to work with the football league, perhaps in the marketing department.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Listen to others that have done it, forget the nine to five and never stop believing.
n Do you think the growing consolidation in the industry is good for consumers?
Yes, I think customers demand so much more today, they are also well aware of their rights and expect service.I think consolidation will lead to higher standards in service.
n Do you agree with travel agents charging a fee for their work?
I think agents bear the brunt of the industry. If agents were paid for knowledge we would see greater professionalism. Companies pay thousands consultants but are not prepared to pay the agent.
Personal talk
n What is your greatest extravagance?
I buy Versace ties at airports, it’s starting to become expensive.
n If you could be anyone for a day who would it be and why?
This is really corny, but William Hague so that I could find out just what is going on in the Conservative Party.
n What would you change about yourself?
Yes, you got it right. I have hair growing all over my body except my head.
n Which living person do you most respect?
Paul McCartney. His feet are firmly on the ground.
n When was the last time you exercised?
I ran yesterday and ran for the FHA’s dream team for the London Marathon.
n Which sports do you love and which do you hate?
I am football crazy and I can’t think of any sport I actually dislike.
n What’s the corniest chat-up line you’ve ever used?
Twenty years ago I was in South Africa and remarked to a very drunken person propping the bar that the young girl walking across the dance floor was gorgeous. He replied “You can have her, she’s my wife.” Today she’s my wife – I must add she was in the process of getting a divorce.
n What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited and why?
Namibia, it has to be one of the best kept secrets of the world.
n What would you have put on your gravestone?
No regrets.
Kevin Hall
Job title: sales and marketing manager, Europe, MiddleEast, North East and Africa.
Age: 40.
Born: Norwich.
Lives: Hailsham, EastSussex.
Status: Married to Deanna, one son, Deryn.
Education: BracondaleBoarding School, Norwich.
Path to career: Joined Holiday Inn in 1976 and transferred to South Africa. In 1987 joined Imperial Car Rental as sales and marketing manager. Joined Europ Assistance as product manager in 1992.Left in 1994 to become sales manager for Home andOverseas. Joined Thrifty Car Rental in 1997.