Carol Dowe Davies speaks to Jonathan Mountford, Managing Director of the tourism marketing firm made.
He has worked at made since the company was formed in January 2010. Previous to that he worked for BBC Birmingham, Birmingham Hippodrome, the National Exhibition Centre and the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, as well as numerous London-based advertising agencies.
‘A lifetime of travel’ Jonathan Mountford
If money wasn’t an issue, where would you go and what would you do there?
I have been very fortunate and have travelled the world attending VisitBritain sales missions as well as representing various clients at tourism exhibitions worldwide. That said, I would dearly like to go to Iceland. I would love to see the Northern lights and the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa. I would also like to ride aboard Canada’s Rocky Mountains train.
What is your favourite coach tour destination?
I’d say it was Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is steeped in culture and history, and set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside. I try to visit this lovely area at least twice a year.
Which has been your worst holiday?
I have actually never had a bad holiday! I always put a lot planning and research into where I am going to hopefully avoid anything going wrong.
And what has been your best holiday?
It was on Mykonos. It’s a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. It is beautiful!
What travel tips would you pass on to other travellers?
If you are going to adventurous destinations you should also pack Imodium and hand sanitiser!!
Do you feel it’s more enjoyable to travel or to arrive?
I just love travelling, especially flying. And if I’m lucky enough to get upgraded to First Class, I find it a unique pleasure that needs to be experienced to be believed!
What was your best meal abroad?
At the Magic Garden Restaurant in Mykonos town. It was hidden in a side street near Haagen Dazs – sadly it closed two years ago due to the high cost of their rent.
Where do you intend to travel next?
I have just returned from Moscow and will be travelling to Berlin in few weeks time to attend a tourism exhibition.
Who would be your ideal travel companion?
It would be my mother, as I would like her to see more of the world. I took her to New York for her 60th Birthday and she had the time of her life!
Have you a ‘secret gem’ of a destination
Definitely the back streets of Havana in Cuba! I visited there in 2008 and had an extraordinarily wonderful time.
Thank you Jonathan!