RACV Victorian Tourism Awards Young Achiever 2014, Monique Bayer
Monique Bayer, owner and operator of Walk Melbourne Tours, was awarded the Young Achievers Award at the 2014 Victorian Tourism Awards. Young Tourism Network caught up with Monique to see what’s next for her business, and what advice she’s got other young members of the tourism industry..
YTN: How long have you been in the tourism industry?
MB: Since July 2012. I started Walk Melbourne Tours out of a love for Melbourne and for travel, without any background in the tourism industry at all. So I was a total rookie!
YTN: How have your passions influenced what you do?
MB: Walk Melbourne Tours was born of my passion for Melbourne’s coffee, laneway and food culture. I used to work in IT and after a few years I decided a desk job wasn’t for me. So I just created my dream job.
YTN: What advice do you have for those new to the industry?
MB: Find out what you love doing and build your life around it. Don’t try to be all things to all people. Be persistent through the rough bits. And always wear a smile (they’re free!)
YTN: How did it feel winning the Young Achiever Award at the 2014 Victorian Tourism Awards?
MB: Gosh – it was a great feeling and still is! The last couple of years have been a little crazy! I learn something new about running a business or working in tourism each day. I still feel like a relative new comer in the industry, so it was a very nice surprise to be recognised.
YTN: What are the next steps for you and your business?
MB: I’m hoping to publish my second book in the next 6 months – if I can find some time to finish it over the busy summer months. Basically I want to continue to do what I love, learn from those around me and build Walk Melbourne Tours so I can work with more young people to share everything Melbourne has to offer with the world!
Monique will be a guest speaker at the Create Your Own Path- Your Passion, Your Business YTN Event on August 17 2015. Click here for more information.
Find out more about Monique and Walk Melbourne here and watch videos of the Walk Melbourne Tours here.
Meet our Membership Coordinator
Daisy Jenkins has recently moved to the position of Membership Coordinator with the Young Tourism Network. Daisy has been involved in the travel and tourism industry for over ten years. She has worked as a travel consultant in Victoria and New South Wales, and is currently working part time with Travel Connections in North Melbourne. Daisy also works with the Sales and Membership Team at Zoos Victoria. Both of these jobs were juggled while Daisy was studying a Bachelor of Business (Event Management/Tourism Management) at LaTrobe University, which she completed last year.
For all YTN Membership questions, please contact Daisy on membership@youngtourismnetwork.com.au