Our People: Julia Lai, Deputy Regional Director for Malaysia, Australia, and Vietnam, Kuoni Tumlare

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY

Navigating Multinational Sales

I'm responsible for managing sales across three countries: Australia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Additionally, I liaise with destination offices based on the location of my projects and directly handle sales with travel agents. It's an exciting role due to the unpredictable nature of communication with clients, staff, colleagues, and suppliers, as unforeseen matters inevitably arise.

WHY TRAVEL?

Leveraging Strengths in Adaptation

I enjoy my work because it allows me to leverage my strengths and skills effectively. I take pleasure in translating my clients' aspirations into tangible results through meticulous planning and precise execution. Moreover, my leadership role, overseeing a culturally diverse team, presents an exhilarating challenge. Despite the complexities, I find fulfillment in tactfully addressing each team member's needs while maintaining authority and fostering optimal performance.

The current industry landscape has intensified with globalisation and rapid technological advancements, particularly the internet. Consumer expectations have heightened with the abundance of information, necessitating our adaptation to stay competitive. As a regional manager, I am committed to sharing my sales expertise with my team, ensuring alignment with our company's values and principles.

WHY KUONI TUMLARE?

Collaboration and Stability in Operations

I feel supported by my company despite the challenges, even though my teams are spread out due to the multinational nature of the company. Despite the distance, we collaborate effectively and assist each other as one unified entity.

Not only are we one of the largest companies in the market, but we also have the backing of our parent company JTB, which is the largest travel company in Japan and has strong financial support. Both our names are highly respected and trusted within the industry. Clients can be confident that they are receiving the gold standard of the tourism industry when they purchase our products.

CORE VALUE

Grit: Driving Force to Push Me Forward

Grit resonates the most with me as it is my driving force behind my continued service to the company. It has pushed me through the company’s most difficult times and got me to where I am today.

PROUDEST MOMENT

Guiding My Teams Through Challenges

My proudest moment was during COVID when I was able to maintain my team despite the small budget allocated. Our offices remained prepared and proactive, positioning us as one of the first to respond when the market began to recover.

Another project I completed several years ago involved 3,000 passengers disembarking in the ports of Zeebrugge, Le Havre, and Southampton. Mobilising only 5 team members for each port, we successfully managed the entire project despite its massive scale.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:

Picturesque Norway

I would suggest Norway because I love the people, the culture and especially the scenery. There's no other place like it, with the fjords and the northern lights being my favourites.