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Career profiles from different sectors within the outdoor industries

Steve Backhouse HF Holidays Ltd

The Holiday Manager

Name: Steve Backhouse

Job Title: Head of Overseas & Leisure Activities Holidays

Age: 34

Company: HF Holidays Ltd

How many years have you been working in the outdoor industry?: 14

Summary of career path to date:  As a university student I spent my summer holidays leading walks for HF Holidays. At the end of my course I took a junior administration job with the company which involved making bookings and sending guest lists to hotels and coach companies. I’ve then steadily worked my way up through the ranks, managing a variety of different holidays along the way. As part of the company’s management team I’m now responsible for holidays at over 175 locations throughout the world.

Why did you choose to work in tour operating?: It was never a conscious decision to work in travel, but I’ve always been interested in the outdoors and visiting new places.

What’s the most rewarding part about your job?: For much of the year we’re working behind the scenes researching new holidays and producing the following year’s brochure. I still get a buzz when the new copies arrive from the printers.

What’s the toughest part about your job?: Dealing with the unexpected - such as a guest having an accident during a holiday. Contrary to most people’s expectations, I actually find travelling overseas to research new holidays surprisingly tough. There’s a lot of pressure knowing that your decisions will directly affect future guests’ holidays.

Which other outdoor activities do you personally enjoy? Being based in Cumbria I’m lucky that I have plenty of opportunities for walking and kayaking on my doorstep. Having been brought up on the Hampshire coast, I’m also a keen sailor.

What advice would you give to someone looking for a career with a holiday company in the outdoor industry?: A personal interest in travel always helps, but more important is a sound commercial approach and willingness to innovate. Many of our staff spend a lot of time of time writing brochures, letters and holiday leaflets, so good written English is essential.