Meet the team: Chris Ferguson
He’s an old Hollywood film star in his own mind, but at Time Out, Chris Ferguson has just stepped into the role of Travel Lead
What’s your perfect international holiday destination?
Japan offers the most accessible diversity I’ve seen. Though you are in a completely foreign environment and culture, it all feels familiar and welcoming. I believe the people are a huge contributor to this, Australians should take note of how to welcome foreigners.
What was your biggest-ever travel fail?
Our last trip to Europe, we came back through Dubai and spent a few days at the Atlantis with a private butler. We got so used to having every whim looked after, we didn’t read our departure time correctly and missed our flight by 14 hours. Lesson: flight times use a 24 hour clock.
Who are your Sydney heroes?
Marc Fennell – I watch and listen to everything he does.
What was the last bit of culture you loved in Sydney?
Opera in the Domain for Sydney Festival was brilliant.
Drink of choice?
Champagne by day, whiskey by night.
What’s with the mo?
It’s a hangover from Movember 2016, people said I looked like a 1950s movie star, so I figure that’s worth maintaining.
Favourite small person?
My son Sebastian, born in June 2016. He is the light of our lives and the best reason to be up at 3.30am.
Why Time Out?
Time Out lets you be the person with the inside scoop on the best places to eat, drink, stay and see wherever you are across the continent or globe. Time Out is the real deal, it’s been the source of truth for decades. Working with the biggest and best in travel, we create meaningful content and campaigns that talk to our audience and tell the brand story in a memorable way.
A good tourism campaign should…
Have the audience in mind and feed long term objectives. With increasing international competition and rise of aggregators, brand loyalty is more important than ever, so taking the opportunity to go deeper into the story of your business will make the difference.
What’s floating your boat right now?
The dedicated travel issue for Sydney (April) and Melbourne (July), with comprehensive annual festival and events calendar, Hottest Hoods of 2017 and insider tips and tricks on getting upgrades, using FF points and other life-hacks to get the most out of every trip.
Plans this weekend?
Flying to Melbourne to see The Book of Mormon, and I’m taking my mum. Cannot wait!
Chris Ferguson is Time Out Australia’s National Travel Lead. You can reach Chris on 02 8239 5907 or chris.ferguson@au.timeout.com, and connect with him on LinkedIn.