with Amanda Bruno
Marketing Manager, Wendy Wu Tours
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What does your role involve and how long have you been in your current position?
My current position is marketing manager which I have now held for the last ten years. My role was developed to bring awareness to the consumer and trade market of the Wendy Wu Tours brand and to develop partnerships between suppliers, media and product. My position includes a variety of roles from advertising to campaigns, events and compliance. The marketing team works closely with every department in the company including sales, product, brochure development and reservations.
How did you start out in your career? Were you always destined to work in the travel industry?
My core interest has always been the travel industry, so when the opportunity arose to join a small team with Wendy in 1999 it was a great chance to get my foot into the challenging and exciting industry it is today. Working within an intimate team gave me the advantage of exposure in every department, as the company grew, so too did the need for specialised departments and I found my passion in marketing. Over the years I have been privileged to gain skills in a number of areas including the overall business as a whole.
Did you complete formal qualifications, and do you think they are important?
I studied travel and tourism and was fortunate enough to enter the travel industry soon after completing my education where I was able to utilise my skills. While I do feel formal qualifications are important, the skills and knowledge you gain through the work place are invaluable. Growing a company with a close knit team has been the best hands-on experience.
What do you love about your job?
Each day is different and brings with it its own challenges and rewards. We work in one of the best industries in the world. Is there any better product than travel? Personally, seeing a campaign through from its initial stages to execution is incredibly rewarding. Our company has grown considerably over the years and being a part of that growth has been amazing. The number of times I have been stopped to be told how much someone has enjoyed their tour with us will never get tiresome.
How has your job changed since you started?
Something called the internet! It has been phenomenal to see the changes that have occurred over the years whereby the internet was primarily a research tool to today where it is a shopfront and a tool for delivering and sharing information and travel experiences instantaneously. Digital has certainly presented many opportunities, as well as challenges, however embracing this as a whole has been incredibly important particularly as to how digital channels complement traditional marketing channels.
What factors were central to your success?
I am fortunate to work with a wonderful team who are passionate about what they do. I am also surrounded by peers and mentors who encourage you to constantly strive within your role. I am continually learning which is important – whether it be on the job, through people I meet, books I read or additional courses I take.
Did you have a mentor, and if so, how did you find them?
Our founder Wendy Wu has been a strong influence throughout my career and has provided me with the opportunity to work alongside her from the initial stage of the business to where we are today. I have gained incredible insight into different areas of the company which has been invaluable. From our humble beginnings to the successful business we are today I have been extremely fortunate to work with a number of amazing people within our business and within the industry.
What advice would you give to others in the industry who would like to follow in your footsteps?
Enjoy what you do – we are working in the best industry in the world! Surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable in what they do and keep learning and evolving.
