with Gerry Roussin, vice-president Western Canada with Sunwing Vacations
04NOV08
How long have you been with Sunwing? Since May of last year.
What’s the best part of the job? Living on the west coast. And the never ending change that happens in this industry!
What did you want to be as a kid? A golf pro.
If you could have any job in the industry, what would it be? This one. These people are very good to work with, quick on their feet and do a whole bunch of things that I like.
Ever had a brush with fame? I met Mother Teresa in the Air Canada Lounge at Toronto Airport. She was sitting in a side office and I just walked in and chatted with her. She was very tiny, calm, and - you could tell – a holy woman. I almost wept as I walked out of the room.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? The ability to listen before speaking.
What’s your biggest extravagance? Buying golf clubs. I love Ping clubs.
Favourite all-time movie? Any James Bond movie. I’m a big Bond fan.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? “Always remain calm and patient.”
Whom do you most respect in the industry? Colin Hunter, because he’s got courage and a very clear understanding as to how this industry works.
What drives you crazy? Traffic.
What is going to be the industry’s biggest challenge this coming year? Finding individuals who will join the travel workforce and become professionals.
Describe your dream vacation. At any platinum-rated hotel in Mexico, beside the pool, with a cool Corona and my Blackberry turned off.
10/03/08 Biting Questions with Stephanie Anevich, Executive VP of Vision 2000 Travel Management
09/17/08 Biting Questions with Mary Heron, Manager-Canada with Emirates
08/13/08 Biting Questions with ACTA National’s new Chair, Jacqueline Jamieson of Absolute Travel in Vancouver
07/16/08 Biting Questions with Phil Sproul, EVP and COO of Travel Professionals International
05/28/08 Biting Questions with Stuart Morcombe, vice-president Ontario with Vasco and Gama Travel
05/06/08 Biting Questions with Eddie Carroll, Chairman and CEO of itravel2000
04/08/08 David Boigné, General Manager of IFS Voyages
03/04/08 Jill Wykes of Thomas Cook Canada
02/12/08 Vanessa Lee of Cruise and Travel Lifestyles magazine and Cruise Strategies
01/14/08 Gary Sadler, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing for Sandals and Beaches Resorts
12/11/07 Lindsay Pearlman, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Ensemble Travel Group
11/20/07 Michael Pepper, President and CEO of TICO, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario
10/23/07 Pat Rachey, GM Central and Western Canada for Signature Vacations
09/17/07 Cesar Castañeda of the Mexico Tourism Board
07/03/07 Stephen Hunter, PC.O.O. of The Sunwing Vacation Group
06/28/07 Philippe Sureau, President of Distribution for Transat
06/06/07 Reggie Kieda, the effervescent president of LATA – Latin American Travel Amigos.
05/09/07 Steve Gillick, President and COO of CITC (The Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors)
04/18/07 Brenda Kyllo, Club Med in Canada
03/21/07 Cheryl Gregory Of Trafalgar Tours
02/19/07 Denise Heffron, V.P. Commercial for Transat Holidays/Nolitours
02/05/07 Jonathan Carroll, President of itravel2000
01/22/07 Michael Middelaer, Director of Travel Service For BCAA
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