Even on an average day, ‘Babs’ is effervescent. So when we catch Barbara Baron after winning NTIA’s Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Cruise award, she’s as buoyant as the ships she sells. In this interview with Karryon, the APT Group superstar shares her love for cruising, what keeps her motivated, simple tips for budding cruise sales execs and the ships that she can’t wait to see.
Congratulations on the win… what does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
To be recognised in this way, for something that you love doing, is just incredible. My fellow finalists, Josh, Cameron, Elsa and Sara – are all amazing cruise ambassadors, and I am extremely proud to be up there with the best.
My family put up with my hectic hours, early mornings, late evenings and weekend events. So, to come home with the win was personally very pleasing – to show them that it’s 100 per cent all worth it!
As for professionally, if you can wake up every day with a smile on your face, love what you do and be recognised for that, it’s incredible.
To what do you attribute your success?
I hope it’s because my agents can see that I’m passionate about the products I sell and that I am completely invested in them doing well.
Having an amazing VIP Program, a phenomenal range of product and the backing of an incredible team – success is sure to follow!
Any advice for anyone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Be a good listener. Like people. Have a can-do attitude. Talk with a smile. Know your product. Work for a company that you truly believe in and excites you.
Learn to be a morning person even if you are not. Be genuine. And always check your lipstick before you walk into an agency!
What are you most excited about that’s coming up for the cruising sector?
You know you shouldn’t ask a sales person these types of questions… the excitement I have is endless.
I think expanding cruising in our own backyard is pretty exciting. The P.S. Australian Star will redefine cruising on the Murray, and introduce a new scale of luxury to this iconic river and I cannot wait to see this new five-star paddle steamer.
In Europe, our brand-new revolutionary ships sailing along the Main, Rhine and Danube in 2025 will be incredible. The APT Solara and APT Ostara will set a new standard in river-ship design, with six distinct dining venues – one of them featuring a state-of-the-art hydraulic system that will raise the entire venue from its location on deck three to the upper Sun Deck for 360-degree vistas. My excitement levels are through the roof with these new ships.
I think the cruising sector is an incredible place to be right now, and to be with a company that is charging ahead with innovation, focusing on Australian travellers and prioritising sustainability… I’m pretty proud to be a part of that.
What does the future look like for you and APT Group?
Last year, I was lucky enough to sail on the inaugural departure of our new APT Mekong Serenity.
The MS Estrella launched only a few weeks ago on the Douro, and as I mentioned previously, Europe is looking very exciting for APT Group in 2025 and beyond.
APT will be celebrating 100 years in 2027 – and I certainly hope to be there, popping the champagne and celebrating the growth of this amazing Australian family-owned company.
What do you love most about your job and the travel industry?
The people. My work colleagues, my agents, fellow BDMs… we are all in the most dynamic and fun industry, and at the end of the day, travel brings joy.
It’s about creating memories, and there’s nothing better than someone showing me a photo of a holiday they went on and gushing about their amazing trip. I love that I get to talk about travel every day, and be with like-minded people who live and breathe this incredible industry.
Care to share a fun travel tip that you swear by when exploring new places?
Yes! When you’re cruising the Kimberley or any place that you explore on Zodiacs, buy a hat with a string so you don’t have to hold onto it. You might not look the coolest, but you will be the smartest!
For more information on APT Group, click here.
Read our wrap of NTIA 2024 including all the winners here.
