VisitBritain recently announced the appointment of PETA EVANS as Trade Engagement Executive for VisitBritain Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Here we learn more about Peta, including her love of airplane snacks and great party advice.
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: My parents opened a small party shop on the Central Coast when I was two. I grew up holding customer’s balloons as a toddler and by the time I was eight, I was offering advice on which costumes would be perfect for a 70s party.
When working within a family business you witness first-hand the importance of relationship building. Strong relationships with customers and the people who make your business possible are so fundamental and I have always carried this philosophy with me.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: First and foremost, I do a deep dive on the organisation to ensure I thoroughly understand what their immediate and long-term objectives are.
From there, I can gain a better understanding as to where my role fits in and what I can bring to the table.
I’m also a people person, so at the same time I love meeting my new colleagues and getting to know them on both a personal and professional level.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Go for it! There’s truly no industry quite like it. The way the travel industry comes together and supports each other is incredible.
Now is the perfect time to get your foot in the door as the industry is still growing post pandemic and there are so many opportunities out there.
Q: What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
A: How adaptable we can be. I never realised just how transferable our skills and work experiences are.
Q: Aisle or window seat and why?
A: Aisle always! I really don’t enjoy waking people when I need to get up and the snacks at the back of the plane are way too tempting.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?
A: Like a lot of us, definitely coffee. Once in the office and after a hello to everyone, I’m checking emails and writing up my daily to do list (with said coffee).
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world and why?
A: When it comes to travel, I love learning about different cultures and their history, eating delicious food and finding myself surrounded by amazing scenery.
It probably isn’t a surprise to learn that most of my favourite spots are in Britain and Europe.
My favourite city in the world by a country mile is Edinburgh. I lived there for two years and it truly is the most magical place year-round.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are only a hop, skip and jump from the city and you certainly can’t pass up The Isle of Skye with its incredible local restaurants, dramatic landscape and a visit to the Fairy Pools is also a must.
Italy is also always on my radar, from Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast. I also travelled to Albania in 2017 and I was completely blown away by the food, culture, history and the hospitality of the Albanian people.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with VisitBritain?
A: Sharing all the incredible travel experiences that Britain has available for Aussie travellers. It’s an iconic destination and yet there is still so much to Britain that is unexpected and surprising to travellers, even for those who have visited countless times.
Also, 2023 is set to be an historic year for Britain. In May, we will celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and later in the month, Liverpool will host the Eurovision Song Contest, on behalf of Ukraine.
Just up the river, travellers can visit Manchester which is celebrating a year of reinvention’, with the city set to welcome several brand new and refurbished music venues, new cultural and green spaces, a major museum reopening and a wave of new hotels.
London will also see a boom of new luxury accommodation openings throughout 2023, with several major international brands set to make their debut.
Q: How important will travel agents be in delivering your messages?
A: To assist with sharing these incredible experiences, one of my first priorities is to ensure our trade training tools are up to date with the latest information and new products, as well as looking at a refresh of our online trade training platform.
VisitBritain’s research shows that agents remain a key source of trust and expert knowledge for Australians when planning trips to Britain and so I look forward to continuing to support our trade partners and ensure they are well placed as destination experts for their customers.
Competition Q1: What is the name of the royal residence in Scotland?
