Quick Facts:
Name: Sam
Surname: Brown
Age: 49
Location: London
Role: Head of Operations
Company: TourAxis
Get to know the people behind the leaders of some of the travel industry’s top innovative companies. Sam Brown, Operations Head of TourAxis, reminisces on the growth of the company, the changes in the industry, as well as what excites her about the future of travel and this company.
TourAxis, the parent company to Group Tour Shop, Expat Explore, and most recently, TourCademy and PlugPlug, delivers new technologies and innovative products to ensure the company and the industry keep up with the ever-changing needs of travellers. Read on for Sam’s deep dive into TourAxis!
Looking back since you started until now, what are you most excited to have seen remain intact?
I have just completed my first year at TourAxis, and with the growth excelling within the company, it is still good to see every team working collaboratively across departments and disciplines.
And what changes have made you most excited about the future?
Almost everything has changed with building up the teams within Operations and growing this further. This year, we internally promoted the transport manager and brought in two team leaders for the Operations team. Having a good foundation and structure in place will make it easier to expand as the business grows.
What excites you about the future of the company?
The potential for new brands, different concepts and exciting new markets in which the company has not operated before.
Has any previous career experience helped you in the travel industry?
Yes! I came with 30 years of experience working with large wholesale operators, which certainly helps a lot.
Why does travel strike such a harmonious chord with you?
It has been my career since I left school and joined my first job at 18 years old in the travel industry. I have had great opportunities travelling around the world, visiting many offices, meeting so many different people and experiencing the different cultures and foods of the world.
Where and when did the travel bug bite?
When I was in school, the idea of working in the travel industry was always there, waiting in the back of my mind. When I was younger, I wanted to be an air hostess, which never happened. But I did end up falling into travel by chance at 18. The rest, as they say, is history.
Could you recommend 3 destinations everyone has to see?
There’s something special about South Africa, Iceland and Japan. You’ll have to visit to understand what I mean!
What makes the leadership team here so different?
The leadership team is dedicated to communication, being open to challenging topics and discussions, and always looking for improvements and opportunities. Plus, social evenings that bring people together are always a plus.
How do your core values align with the company’s?
As I mentioned earlier, travel has always been in my blood. Having the opportunity to work for a company that enables people to travel while bringing innovative new products to the market is a dream come true.
How, in your experience, has working in the industry changed in the last decade?
Difficult one to answer! I think COVID-19 happening right in the middle of this was an extremely challenging and stressful time. Every person and company that made it through to the other side is a miracle. That is not a time or place I would like to go back to, but luckily, the future of travel looks brighter than ever.
Where do you see the travel industry in the next decade?
Social media platforms will change everything and influence young generations' choices. I believe they will be the next generation of big travellers within the next 10 years or more.
What most excites you about where the company is right now?
New ideas are coming in, such as innovative platforms like TourCademy and PlugPlug. The growth of Group Tour Shop is also always exciting. As always, we need to embrace new markets and challenges that will come with time.
For more about TourAxis, including Sam’s incredible team, an exciting array of travel industry innovations, or to get in touch, check out the TourAxis website.
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