From his home in Cyprus, Yiannis embraces a motto of “Good food, good wine, good company!”
Yiannis Ioannou has just passed a career milestone: one year as a JTB Business Travel Advisor. Yiannis is hardly new to the industry, though; he brings a wealth of experience to the role with more than 30 years of work in the travel industry. Most recently, in London, he used his travel planning expertise to work with a wide variety of professionals in a wide variety of industries, ranging from banking to fashion, advertising to pharmaceuticals.
Now, Yiannis serves JTB Business Travel clients from Larnaca, Cyprus, where he soaks up the sun and enjoys living by the sea. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his approach to travel and what he’s enjoyed about this past year at JTB Business Travel. We also got some of his top insights for both professionals entering the travel industry and Travelers in general.
What do you like most about your job?
No two days are the same!
What inspires you?
Good energy and vibes.
What does a usual day look like for you?
I find “usual” boring, so I embrace each day as a new beginning.
What’s your life motto or slogan?
Good food, good wine, good company!
Why did you decide to start working in the travel industry?
To see the world and all its wonders, embracing people and culture along the way.
What questions do business Travelers ask you most often when planning travel for work?
They tend to mention their seat preference and frequent Traveler loyalty cards before anything else!
What is the most valuable thing you have learned from working with business Travelers?
Depending on the industry, they basically spend a lot of time up in the air — so if I can make things run smoothly, I am certain that care is appreciated. I know I would appreciate that care if it were me.
What advice would you give an employee just getting started with travel for work?
You really learn something new every day. Embrace it and love it!
What is the most common mistake you see Travelers make that you wish you could prevent?
They don’t read their emails carefully!
Is there anything you do in your personal life that has benefited you in your work life?
Taking care of those close to me, [which] applies to all aspects of life: personal, work, colleagues and the everyday person you pass by in the street.
What do you enjoy most about working with people who travel for work?
Forming good working relationships and trust.
What is your favorite travel destination?
I have been fortunate to have visited many places. However, for me, Greece is my happy place!
Where is your favorite place to eat, drink or enjoy when you travel?
Any spot close to the sea to watch the sunset, drink fine wine and listen to music — Petra Tou Romiou in Cyprus, or Cape Sounio in Attica, Greece, and Café Del Mar in Ibiza.
Have you ever been to Japan?
I have never been to Japan. However, it is on my bucket list!
