TravelMole Time Traveller: Cayman Islands’ tourism UK manager Don McDougall

Don McDougall, regional manager for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism UK & Europe, is this week’s Time Traveller, sponsored by HarpWallen.

What was your first job in travel?

I started as a whippersnapper with A T Mays, an established but growing retail travel agency chain founded in the west coast of Scotland by the late Jim Moffatt. I was asked to manage their first English branch in 1982 and then four years later their first London branch in Kensington in 1986, following a takeover/merger with Ayscough Travel. It was this diverse business base in London which gave me further opportunities in the travel and tourism industry leading to my move into tourism sales and marketing with the Hong Kong Tourist Association in 1989.

What has been the high point of your career?

There’s been lots of highs, but possibly the most memorable was building record visitor numbers to Hong Kong prior to the historic handover of Hong Kong’s sovereignty in 1997 and then running successful campaigns to ensure continuation of the business. In short, convincing the travel industry that the territory didn’t have a sell by date, more a new life of opportunities. Following the hand over, we took over 350 trade guests to Hong Kong on a mega fam trip involving Cathay Pacific and 10 different hotels. Yet despite the considerable logistics involved, being the efficient culture that Hong Kong is, the event went without a hitch and proved a great success. However I am also inordinately proud of taking the Cayman Islands to the Chelsea Flower Show in 2009 at which we won not only a gold medal but also the President’s Award for the Most Creative Garden. Not only did it open the world’s eyes to the Cayman Islands as a wonderful nature and wildlife destination, but it opened my eyes to the world of celebrity gardening!

What was the low point?

Fortunately very few low points in over 30 years of industry experience, but managing politically motivated direction, knowing that the end result will not be for the best, is challenging and can compromise one’s personal integrity. Happily at the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism I have a more direct line of communication with the Cayman Islands Premier and his government, which is refreshing.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?

Probably my wife Bernadette, who has supported and encouraged me to take on new challenges at critical points along my career path. We have also taken on business interests outside of travel by taking on a pub/restaurant business in Redbourn, Herts. While Bernadette was the main driver behind the success of this venture, we made a profit from day one and employed a number of local people which was most satisfying. This sideline proved that experience and skills gained through the travel business are transferable and you can achieve whatever you want through focus and hard work.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Without giving too much away, I will be in my early 60s by then. I don’t see retirement as a desirable option and I would certainly like to still be involved with Cayman Islands tourism. I have many Caymanian friends and the diversity of the role keeps me motivated. I believe that constant stimulation and challenge is good for a prolonged and rewarding life. If I could also hold a single figure golf handicap and Watford FC were leading the premiership, I would be a happy chappie!

What would you be doing now if you weren’t in travel?

That’s a tough one. I did turn down an apprenticeship in instrument ratification before I went into travel, but if I had my time again, I would still chose the same path in the travel business. It is quite rare to be able to work in a business you love getting up in the morning for.