TravelMole Time Traveller: All Leisure executive chairman Roger Allard
In this week's Time Traveller, sponsored by Harp Wallen, Roger Allard takes a trip down memory lane.
What was your first job in travel?
My first job in travel was at the age of 14 when I worked Saturday mornings for Vista Tours on London's Tottenham Court Road making teas and coffees for the staff, as well as their sandwiches and rolls at lunchtime. On Sundays, I used to fly to Palma for the day, giving out customer forms on the aircraft and getting passengers to bring back cigarettes and booze for me!
What was the high point of your career?
The high point was floating Owners Abroad (now First Choice, a company I was instrumental in founding) on the Stock Exchange at the age of 28 and buying a country house with the proceeds.
What was the low point?
One of the lowest points was during the first Gulf War. Business was so bad and fuel and insurance costs went through the roof, just did not know how to survive financially and whether Intasun or Airtours would go bust before us! In the end Intasun were the victims just after the end of the war in 1991.
What's your biggest regret?
Letting my heart rule my head!!
What would you be doing now if you weren't in travel?
Enjoying myself, semi-retired, doing a few non-exec jobs and travelling for pleasure!
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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