My Journey: How I Found My Passion in Travel

I've always had a profound love for travel. Even as a child in Palermo, I dreamt of venturing into the unknown. I spent hours studying maps, drawing up itineraries for my own city, and taking friends on tours they would have never considered. This innate curiosity and desire to explore every corner of a map was the first sign of a lifelong passion.

My professional journey began in a travel agency in Palermo, but I quickly realised it wasn't for me. The job felt robotic and repetitive; I was stuck behind a desk, issuing tickets, when what I truly yearned for was to meet people and discover new places. I didn't think working in the travel industry meant being confined. So, I left that job and moved to the Ligurian coast in northern Italy, near the famous Cinque Terre. There, I met many more foreigners and started to see the world through the eyes of the tourists who were visiting the area. They would tell me about their cities and the many places they had visited. It was during that time that I remembered an old school friend who was working in London, and I decided to visit him. There, it all became clear: I had to move to a place where possibilities were incredible.

This leap of faith would lead me to a lifelong love affair with the travel and hospitality industry. Leaving everything familiar behind was a challenge, but it opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities. London, a vibrant hub of cultures and stories, was the perfect classroom. I wasn’t just a tourist; I was a new resident, navigating a bustling city and meeting people from every corner of the globe. This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and the power of human connection, which I quickly realised was at the very heart of the travel industry.

I didn't start at the top; I took on various roles, wearing a number of hats in sales, operations, and product development. Each position was a new lesson. In sales, I learned to listen more than I talked. In operations, I discovered the importance of seamless execution. In product, I saw how a great idea could be brought to life. It was a steep learning curve, but every challenge solidified my understanding that the industry isn’t just about selling flights and hotel rooms; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for people and lifelong connections.

My passion truly ignited when I realised the human element behind every transaction. It's about helping a family plan a holiday, supporting a business traveler in a new city, or simply sharing a love of exploration with a colleague. This isn't just a business; it’s a living ecosystem of dreams, logistics, and shared moments. It's about bringing the world closer, one connection at a time. This belief in genuine collaboration and partnership has guided every decision I’ve made, both professionally and personally.

Over the past two decades, my career has become a continuous journey of learning and growth. What started as a move to a new country evolved into a career that allows me to build relationships, solve complex problems, and contribute to an industry that I deeply admire. It has been a testament to the idea that if you follow your curiosity and open yourself up to new possibilities, your passion will find you.