Mark Davison hard at work in Patagonia 2017
Why did you become a tour operator?
My first job overseas was as a guide in East and Southern Africa. After guiding for 8 years my mother told me to get a ‘proper job’ so I set about becoming a tour operator.
How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need?
The biggest challenge of becoming an independent tour operator is the ATOL bond (Air Travel Organiser’s License). You need a few years of relevant, professional experience, backed up with a colossal financial bond. The ATOL is administered by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and provides financial security for my clients.
How long have you been a tour operator?
I guided for 8 years, then returned to England and set-up an ABTA-bonded travel agency in Cheltenham in partnership with a colleague. I sold the agencies in 1999 and set up Venture Co the same year.
Where do you work?
My office is in Okehampton and we specialise in South America, Africa and India.
Who else works with you?
There are three of us in the office and I also work with about half-a-dozen freelance group leaders who accompany Venture Co’s small groups. In addition to that I have a network of guides around the world, many of whom I first met when I was guiding and have since helped set up their own in-country ‘in-bound tour operation’. This means that when I send couples or families to anywhere in Africa, South America or India I know exactly who I’m dealing with and can trust them to deliver.
What is involved in being a tour operator?
I have a passion for the countries I deal with, their wildlife, current affairs and geography (in its broadest definition). That awful phrase ‘product knowledge’ is actually crucial: I have to know what I’m talking about so that a specific person is matched with the right hotel/beach/national park/guide and so forth.
How does your day usually unfold?
My day begins with email – just like everyone else! I might have a horse-riding group going to Patagonia, a safari to Kenya and a ‘Golden Triangle & Tigers’ trip in India. Each one of those itineraries has to be planned exactly and budgeted, so emails bounce back and forth, often in two or three different languages. Every single itinerary has to be tweaked and adjusted and the finished holiday may take dozens of emails back and forth to complete.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?
Study geography at school, and a language; and then get experience working overseas, which generally means long hours and rubbish pay. But working overseas is brilliant fun, and that grassroots experience is invaluable.
What is the best thing about your job?
I only sell destinations that I (or one of the team) have checked out. I don’t travel so much these days, but I really enjoy recce trips and gathering information. Last year I visited Namibia, India and Colombia, which was actually hard work, but rejuvenating!
Where do you go on holiday?
Africa! I know the continent well and it’s so incredibly varied.