20/20's Twenty Questions with 20 Questions with Rob Giason,Tourism Tropical North Queensland Rob Giason became CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland in October 2005 and from day one commenced work on re-branding the region, with the development of the new TNQ brand and “Change your Latitude” campaign.  Along with the organisation’s main role of destination marketing (to both international and domestic markets), Rob works closely with his team and other key partners to develop new aviation opportunities, with the aim of improving visitor access to the region.

1. What was your first ever job?

My first job was picking grapes on my family’s vineyard for little pay, however I was very well fed. 

My first real holiday job was at 14 for a furniture store - transporting furniture and laying carpet and linoleum from time to time.

2. What did you want to do when you were 20?

Be a professional rugby league footballer and play for Australia.

3. What were you doing when you were 20?

General Manager of Tourism Albury-Wodonga.

4.How long have you been in your current position?

2 years and 4 months.

5. What are your 3 tips for success?

Dedication, commitment, persistence, plus tenacity, a can-do attitude…the list goes on.

6. What do you like most about your industry?

I learn about people…I learn about places…and why people live in different places around the world.  And there’s also a little bit of travel in it…!

7. What do you dislike most about your industry?

All the lunches, dinners and other functions you must attend.

8. What motivates you most to go to work each day?

Getting the story out about how magnificent this destination is, and why people should experience it for themselves.

After an injury which prevented my chances at a professional football career, my other dream was always to be a football coach.

10. What is the best thing about doing business in Cairns?

Business entrepreneurs here are professional, know what it is all about, and have a “can do” attitude.  It is so much fun to work in a location where, if you cant keep up, you will get run over.

11. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that you wish had the time to pursue?

Everyday!!  This is what life’s about isn’t it?  And working with the local industry, some of these ideas are even actioned.

12. Who do you aspire to in business or in life?

Those in our world who are generous and who give of themselves time and time again and seek nothing from others.  Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to live as they do?  Pretty challenging  - and I can only aspire to that at this stage.

13. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?

Thirty seconds before I decided to crash through four bulky, beefy rugby league players who eventually got the best of me and my knee (severed totally) in the tackle.  I was never to play the great game again.

14. Who would be on your ultimate dinner-party table of 8?

Wife Leonie and I, and the following 6 guests:

• Mark Twain.  He was the original travel writer, and I’d like to get some inside stories of his travel adventures around the world at the turn of the century.
• Martin Luther King.  I’d like to explore with Martin his vision and his commitment for what is right and what is just, particularly when it comes to issues of the fellow man.
• Sir Winston Churchill.  Although I have some disagreeance with Mr Churchill and the way Australians were treated during war, he is an incredible orator, and I’d like to get some insights as to the way he strings words together.
• Faith Popcorn.  A more modern social commentator.  I’d like to talk to her about her theory of cocooning - the behaviour of people retreating into the suburbs and barricading themselves up in modern society.
• My brother Brian and sister-in-law Jan.  We greatly enjoy their company, and I know they would enjoy the time with my invited guests also.

An interesting, eclectic group of people, but I’m sure it would stimulate some very passionate and constructive debate.

I have been fortunate to have holidayed in many different locations.  Last year I spent a month in my parents’ home country of Italy with my wife Leonie.  It was her first time there and it was truly memorable.  When our four children were growing up, we loved our visits to Leonie’s family property in western New South Wales. For two weeks, the kids would spend their time running around with sheep, cattle, kangaroo’s, rabbits, ducks and chickens, and really enjoying rural life in Australia.

16. Which is your favourite restaurant for that Friday afternoon lunch?

I can barely remember the luxury of a Friday lunch…!  I established a special marketing group in Albury-Wodonga when I was there, and we often had a fantastic Friday lunch at an Italian restaurant which would sometimes last into the wee hours of the next morning.  But alas those days are long gone…!

17 What was the latest gadget/ toy you bought?

I would say my phone, but I have actually managed to keep this one for the last 18 months, which is somewhat of a record for me.  But then again, there is always the remote control at home isn’t there…?

18. Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I wanted to be a Physical Education teacher before starting my career in tourism.

19. What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

More of a profound statement than advice:
 “Go out into this big world of ours young man, and see what little brains run it.”

20. What do you want to be doing when you are 80?

I want to be fit and alive, and contributing as much as I can, for as long as I can, to help others.