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Behind the Suit...Paul Tilstone
Thursday, February 19, 2009 Paul Tilstone cut his travel teeth as a Thomson holiday rep in Greece, Cyprus and Thailand. He took his first steps in corporate travel with Uniglobe Travel and has since enjoyed spells at Portman Travel, Statesman Travel and P&O Travel. He joined the Institute of Travel Management as executive director in 2005. He has since become one of the industry most respected figureheads.
Age: 41 Lives: Dorking Job: Chief executive of the Institute of Travel Management What inspires you? People who take themselves totally out of their comfort zone and who keep on going. Humour and laughter inspire me. People who are humble and who can laugh at themselves. I can’t stand the “don’t you know who I am” crowd. Who's had the most influence in your life? I’d probably have to say my wife. She accepts me for who I am and has a very calming effect, without which I would probably crash and burn. There have also been various people who have inspired me in this industry at different stages of my life. Mark Avery (former ITM chairman) and Caroline Strachan (current ITM chairman) being the latest examples.
Abraham Lincoln – for the history, and so we could snigger at his funny beard Dick Turpin – for the anecdotes Bob Marley – for the music and mood enhancement Jayne Mansfield – for a bit of , errr, glamour What did you think you'd be when you were growing up? Boring – an advertising creative – but they didn’t want me, so travel got me instead and I am very lucky – great industry, great people. Can you describe a turning point in your life? When I was about 15 years old. I discovered girls and Wham!
Family - my wife, Jackie, and my two boys, Fin and Jude. What one change would you make to this country? I’d stop everyone moaning about this country. It is beautiful and the people are very friendly if you make the effort yourself. What's your ultimate goal in life? To be happy – no more, no less. What is your favourite holiday destination? I’d have to say Thailand (fantastic food, great beaches, lovely people) Where have you not been that you'd like to visit? Utopia
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