KEY POINTS:
Describe your job.
I work with a broad range of accommodation suppliers in New Zealand, from large hotel groups and chains through to independently run motels and B&Bs. I assist with marketing their properties through the Wotif.com site. We also manage online promotions on the site, and
produce a customer newsletter every fortnight.
How many suppliers do you represent on your website?
We have 700 in New Zealand and the Cook Islands live on site.
What is your background?
I had various jobs when I left school, then studied computing, travel and tourism, and worked in the hotel industry. I worked in customer services and reservations.
Why is your job important?
It is important for our suppliers to know someone is behind the screen and they're not just dealing with a website. It gives them confidence knowing that they can pick up the phone and call us or pop an email through.
You're based in Auckland but you also travel?
Our office is in West Auckland, which is great as there aren't parking and traffic problems. I travel throughout New Zealand but with our growing number of properties it is getting more difficult to get around them all. We try to visit the main centres at least two times a year and the regional areas once a year. Being an internet company, I can work anywhere I have a connection.
What kind of holiday do you take when you are away from the job?
I don't tend to stay in traditional accommodation. Last Christmas we stayed at a family member's bach on the Coromandel and the year before we spent a week in a Waiheke holiday home. We go where it's not so busy. During the summer months we tend to go to the CBDs where you can get better deals. Once I'm on holiday I'm good at switching off, and not worrying about the accommodation side of it.
What changes have you seen within the industry since you started in 2004?
The internet has played a huge part in the development of travel. Both customers and suppliers are more confident using the internet. Even my 60-year-old-plus parents are happy to book their flights online, whereas three years ago they would have been hesitant.
Three years ago Wotif was two people working from a home office, now we have five in the New Zealand team. We are seeing the development of Wotif.com as a brand in New Zealand, plus it was listed on the stock exchange in Australia last year.
What's the best part of your job?
I really like having a little supplier who has five to 10 rooms and often they struggle with the internet and computers, just getting them through the process of registering their property and then up and running can be rewarding.
Do you get strange requests?
Suppliers often want to change their position on our pages, and we have lots of debates over our star ratings. We also get some customers who try to book 10 people in a room that sleeps two.
What are your strengths?
I'm interested in seeing people succeed in their businesses. I enjoy speaking to people and suppliers on the phone and getting to know their products.
What challenges does the New Zealand tourism industry face?
There's increasing competition for people's discretionary spending. People have to decide between travelling and buying a new plasma TV. And environmentally, we must sustain that 100 per cent pure campaign.
It seems easy to book online for a couple but what about families of 5 or 6?
A lot of properties don't cater for families very well, especially when there are more than two adults and two children. We try to encourage properties to add family packages, especially during school holidays and long weekends. Over the last 18 months we have also noticed a lack in the three-star category, which is often where families base themselves.
Where do you want to be in five years?
I have never been one that plans that far ahead. I would like to have my own business one day or run a boutique hotel in a nice location in New Zealand.
What's your advice for someone wanting to enter tourism?
The key thing is to get their foot in the door, whether it's in travel or in the hotel industry, and to give it all you've got. Take all the opportunities of experiencing different parts of the business. Chances are bigger doors will open.
MY JOB
* Name: Kathryn Wilson (30)
* Role: NZ market manager for Wotif.com, online accommodation site
* Working hours: 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Hours can change when travelling.
* Pay: $45K-$50K
* Qualifications: Diploma in Travel and Tourism
* Career prospects: Other marketing and sales roles in the tourism industry, good experience for running own business.
