Tourism Product Development
What is your background/expertise?
Lead Tour Guide Trainer at EastguidesWest.
I am ITMI-certified in tourism and hold an Executive MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management, a Master’s in European Tourism Management, and a Bachelor’s in Tourism and Economics. I am fluent in Dutch, Spanish, German, and English, with conversational proficiency in French. I have extensive experience in training and developing strategic tourism products, specializing in Silk Road countries, train travel, and river cruises, both as a trainer and as a Tour Director. Previously, I worked as a strategic product development manager.
What was the biggest challenge in your professional life so far?
The biggest challenge in my professional life has been learning to understand. Understanding different cultures, the reactions of people in stressful situations, and understand how to adapt my own responses accordingly.
What is the achievement you are most proud of?
I take pride in my ability to question myself in various situations: Why do I react or feel this way? How can I distance myself from the situation and respond appropriately? Additionally, I am very proud of my language skills.
What can we expect from you?
You can expect from me strategic visions paired with pragmatic solutions that integrate the best ideas to develop truly innovative tour products. I have hands-on experience in a variety of situations during tours, both positive and challenging.