Industry talk
n What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
Mare Monte Hotel Cyprus. I earned £28 per week.
n Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
My first director, Filios Theodorou who gave me the confidence to use my owninitiative.
n If you weren’t in travel, would what you be doing?
I can’t imagine doing anything else.
n What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
It is best not to think too much about the salary – just enjoy the variety and buzz because there’s no industry like it.
n How many hours do you work a week on average?
About 45hrs.
n What percentage of holiday bookings do you estimate will be taken direct by the year 2000?
We will see a marked increase in direct bookings as consumers become more familiar with the Internet, although Istill believe that nothing can replace the human face of the travel trade.
n How long do you expect it will be before a significant number of bookings are made by digital television?
It will take at least three years for prices to come down which will lead to an increase in the ownership of digital TVs and ultimately use of its booking facility.
n Do you have a Web site and if so how many bookings do you receive on it?
We do not have a Web site.
n Do you think the growing consolidation in the industry is good for consumers?
No, as it limits choice and so it can’t be good.
n How many travel agents do you estimate there will be left in the UK in five years’ time?
About 20% less than today, with a combination of multiples and better independents.
n Do you agree with travel agents charging a fee for their work or should they provide their service free?
Yes, it’s probably the only industry that doesn’t charge.