Alison Scott is the Commercial Director for Elegant Resorts. She has been at Elegant for just over a year and prior to that was Head of Product at ITC in Chester. Her background has always been in travel. She started in travel after she left University, as a Rep overseas, and has stayed in the industry ever since. Working mainly in Product and Ops for luxury tour operators, including 7 years with Simply Travel in London.
What is it that you do exactly?
No day is the same. My responsibilities at ER are to manage the Product, Aviation and Marketing side of the business. Anything supplier facing. I am also responsible for looking at our Commercial reporting and we are constantly working ahead and planning to ensure business levels going forward. There are always day to day issues/problems and opportunities to deal with that can take over and need to be dealt with. In todays challenging market, nothing is more important than reacting to changes in demand and being flexible with marketing planning and product offering.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Everything! But Product has always been my specialty and I love looking forward and working with the Product managers on new growth and destinations. I also love being able to work with the other Directors and Senior Managers at ER to directly influence the future of the business … we have a great deal of input into strategic planning and being in charge of your own destiny is very empowering.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
I have stayed in so many wonderful places but most recently:
Vancouver – Canada. I just felt very at home in the city. Loved the atmosphere and it is a very interesting place, plus you can go up into the mountains, and be skiing in 2 hours. Stunning scenery.
Rio – Brazil. Just a really edgy city, with a great vibe. So much to see and do and the first place I have been handgliding (and first and last!). Rio is a must do for any traveller, a fabulous experience.
Anguilla – Caribbean. I loved the laid back atmosphere of the Island and everyone was so friendly. Some of the most beautiful beaches I have seen.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
Sushi at the beach restaurant at Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius. I love sushi and I love the beach… it was an ideal combination.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
At Elegant Resorts we are very discreet about our celebrity clients. However did recently attend the 10th anniversary party for the Burj Al Arab in London which was hosted by Bruce Forsyth… my Mum was very jealous!
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
I have never been to Australia or New Zealand or any of the islands in that part of the world – so they are on my to do list. Also would love to go to Madagascar – looks and sounds stunning and unspoilt.
Thank you, Alison. Madagascar is on my wishlist also… one day, perhaps!
