Alli Tickle

How long have you been working in travel industry and what type of roles have you held?

Since 1997 I've held positions as... Travel Consultant – (AMEX) Groups/Sporting (QF) Corporate Sales (Qantas Holidays) Business Development Manager (Travelscene American Express & Helloworld Ltd) National Network Development Manager (Helloworld Ltd) Partnerships Manager (nib Travel)

What sets nib apart from others in the industry?

What sets us apart, is the Partnerships Team, we are all highly experienced in the industry and many of us, have sat in a partner's chair and can appreciate and understand the challenges they face on a daily basis. I always pride myself on doing whatever I can within my means to assist our partners to make their lives easier.

What’s been your most memorable experience from your career in the travel industry?

For me I would have to say the Ansett collapse. At the time working in the QF Group teams, we worked around the clock for 3 days, getting a few hours sleep under our desks throughout the nights to move some very high profile large groups across the country, so that they were not left stranded. The way in which the team handled themselves and pulled together in an extremely challenging and stressful time, was astounding to look back on.

How do you stay up to date on the latest travel trends and destinations?

I believe it's important when speaking with partners to understand what is happening in their markets. Everyone is very different and what may be selling for one may not be the same for someone else in the next suburb or town. Having the ability to not just talk insurance language with our partners makes for a greater partnership.

What's the craziest travel story you've ever heard from a client?

I had a partner tell me how their customer was asking them what side of the ship the sun sets on so they could watch the sunset each evening.

What's the most underrated travel destination in your opinion?

Turkey. Many years ago I spent three weeks travelling around Turkey, staying in caves, hot air ballooning and experiencing the culture and amazing food and the friendliest people. It’s definitely my most memorable trip and one that I cherish.

If you could travel with 3 famous people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston would be my top three picks. All sensational artists who I would love to be on a road trip with, singing along and hearing stories of their careers.

Have you ever had a travel mishap or funny story that you'd like to share?

When I was on a road trip through the USA, and was pulled over for speeding in Alabama, I was able to talk myself out of a speeding fine, telling the lovely Police Officer we don’t work in miles in Australia, only km’s per hour, and that I was totally confused on the conversion. He was kind enough to let me off with a warning telling me it was too hard to give me a fine, and telling me what the maximum speed over the limit I can drive without being pulled over.

My favourite holiday was...

Spending three months on the open road in the USA, starting in New Orleans and taking in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi & Texas.