What’s the most important thing you learned in school?
The tourism industry is so expansive. Throughout my schooling I learned how many different industries and businesses are affected by tourism which can often be missed by consumers and travellers.
Why did you choose to study travel, tourism or hospitality?
I chose travel and tourism as my area of study because I’m fascinated by the world and will take an opportunity to get to know it better. The memories I treasure most are those in which I’m exploring the world around me, both internationally and domestically.
What is your greatest professional strength?
Adaptability. I’ve been in many professional environments and consider myself to be someone who is incredibly flexible under any circumstance. I think my adaptiveness can be partially attributed to my love for travel, as I consistently put myself in situations where I have to adapt to succeed.
In your opinion, what’s the most exciting trend in travel, tourism or hospitality right now and why?
As far as exciting trends go, sustainable tourism takes the cake. It’s inauthentic to appreciate the beauty of the world while at the same time contributing to systems that harm it. It’s important that the sustainable travel and tourism industry continues to grow, as it will ensure that the world can be appreciated by everyone for generations to come.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
Entering the workforce after years of school can be fairly daunting, so I’m going to focus on grounding myself in the world and the people around me while approaching career opportunities. Also, I would like to continue my passion for travel over the next year, although I don’t have plans for specific destinations just yet!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I envision myself in a position in which I can use my creative skills, be challenged every day, and continue learning within the travel industry. In my personal life, I would like to have a large repertoire of places that I’ve travelled to, which would inevitably become intertwined with my professional life.
What are some of the top places you want to see in Canada and why?
I’ve never travelled in Western Canada and have always wanted to see the sights in Banff and the city life of Vancouver. I love mountainous regions, and it’s pretty special that the nation I was born in has such an abundance of them!
What do you do to engage in travel, tourism or hospitality mindfully/sustainably?
Whenever I travel, I always emphasize using public transit options, which not only supports local economies but also reduces the carbon footprint that often comes with tourism. Furthermore, each and every place I visit and intend to visit will have a different cultural history, and I like to do as much research as I can beforehand to ensure I mindfully approach any situation.
Name your favourite travel or hospitality experience so far:
Picking my favourite travel experience is like picking a favourite child. However, my experience in Lisbon, Portugal, was unforgettable. From riding electric bikes on the pier to appreciating the historic background offered by the city, Lisbon is somewhere I would recommend to anyone looking for a memorable travel destination.
Name your greatest achievement so far:
Being chosen for the Disney Cultural Exchange Program during the summer of 2024 allowed me to live the dream I’ve had ever since I was a little girl. For the entire summer, I had the pleasure of living and working at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Not only was the experience amazing, but I formed lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
What’s the best OR worst piece of travel advice you’ve received?
As cliché as it sounds, not being afraid to try new things is the best advice I’ve received. I’ve had plenty of experiences while travelling, not all of them good. That being said, I wouldn’t take back any of them. Taking any opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and try new things is the greatest treasure I’ve earned through travel, and I wouldn’t be able to say that if I didn’t try new things every day.
What destination is next on your dream travel list and why?
While the list of potential travel destinations is long, at the top is experiencing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. I’ve never travelled to an African nation before, and while I desperately want to go on a safari in Kenya or see the pyramids in Egypt, Kilimanjaro is my top priority!
