Quick Facts:
Name: Marco
Surname: Weijgertse
Age: 49
Location: London
Role: Head of Procurement
Company: TourAxis
Get to know the people behind the leaders of some of the travel industry’s top innovative companies. Marco Weijgertse, Head of Procurement at TourAxis, tells us what it’s like being new to the company, the values he feels most aligned with, as well as some of his recommendations for the top destinations to visit.
TourAxis, the parent company to Group Tour Shop, Expat Explore, and most recently, TourCademy and PlugPlug, leads the way in keeping up with growing traveller demands by always delivering new technologies and innovative products. Get a fresh starter’s perspective on the leadership and culture of the company!
Looking back since you started until now, what are you most excited to have seen remain intact?
I have only been here for about 9 months, but the fact that our core values are the base of everything we do, from the Co-founders down to the rest of the staff is something that I feel has been the key to the success the company has had so far.
And what changes have made you most excited about the future?
The planning and forecasted growth is something that excites me. We have bold yet realistic plans to grow at a very fast pace. Playing my part in enabling and delivering that goal is an exciting challenge for me.
What excites you about the future of the company?
The fact that we do not just continue to think about what travel will look like in years to come, but we are developing new brands to be an integral part of how (group) travel will shape itself in years to come.
Has any previous career experience helped you in the travel industry?
Having 25+ years of hotel contracting experience with a leading wholesale tour operator definitely helped me decide what direction to go with the procurement team at TourAxis.
Why does travel strike such a harmonious chord with you?
I always liked to travel. And with me and my family being in different European countries, I can’t escape it!
Where and when did the travel bug bite?
I studied tourism in the Netherlands and had a part-time job at an incoming travel agency in Amsterdam while I studied. This is when it all began…
Could you recommend 3 destinations everyone has to see?
I’d say Madeira, Canada’s Rocky Mountains, and Lake Como.
What makes the leadership team here so different?
The Leadership Team is a group of very experienced managers with a passion for the Industry. We get challenged to continue to think about how travel may and will change going forward and we continue to be challenged to find solutions before problems, one of our core values.
How do your core values align with the company’s?
This one is hard to explain. I almost found myself being a ‘natural fit’ since I joined TourAxis. For sure there are things to work on and improve from my side, however, it feels like I have been part of this ‘work family’ for way longer than the little time I actually have been here. The alignment in core values and the belief that we can bring TourAxis and its brands the success we all strive towards is probably the reason why the board convinced me to join this exciting project.
How, in your experience, has working in the industry changed in the last decade?
Covid has had a major impact on our industry. The pandemic showed once again how volatile this industry is. However, the recovery from Covid has also shown the strength of the industry to bounce back in an unbelievable way. And group travel played an instrumental part in this recovery. I personally like to help and train new talent to find their way and future careers in our amazing industry.
Where do you see the travel industry in the next decade?
We will continue to have our ups and downs, notably due to the economic climate and geo-political situations. However, the world has shown its resilience and that people want to travel. Technology and automatisation will continue to shape how and where people travel and how people will book their trips conveniently and economically.
What most excites you about where the company is right now?
With the creation of TourAxis as a platform serving current and future brands, we are very well-positioned to scale up our business. We have some amazing brands in the pipeline whilst Expat Explore has some massive opportunities in the years to come. And with Group Tour Shop proving it is able to ‘double up’ year on year, the sky is the limit!
For more about TourAxis, including Marco’s incredible team, an exciting array of travel industry innovations, or to get in touch, check out the TourAxis website.
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