This week we get to know Robin Khurana, Senior Restaurant, Bar and Services Supervisor at ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport.
1. How long have you been in the industry, what and where was your first job?
I started my career in the hospitality industry in 2004 working at Hotel National, Switzerland, as a Food and Beverage Attendant.
2. What’s your most amazing travel experience (one of them anyway)!
My most memorable travel experience has to be a road trip around Europe a few years ago. We started in Milan, Italy and drove through Holland and France. Highlights were stopping off in Amsterdam, seeing the Colosseum in Rome and, of course, the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
3. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever done?
I am lucky enough not to have ever had a weird job, thankfully!
4. First ever country you travelled to? What was your experience like?
Switzerland was the first country I travelled to, when I moved from The Punjab (India) to study Hospitality Management. It was an amazing experience – new culture, new cuisine and a new community!
5. Wishlist of places yet to visit?
The three places on my to-visit list are Morocco, Costa Rica and Spain, in no particular order!
6. Who was your biggest mentor/influence growing up?
My father is the biggest influence in my life. He taught me all I know in life –the main principles are to value family and to work hard.
7. How has working in travel changed you?
Working in travel has taught me a great deal about different cultures and cuisine and has helped me to develop a great understanding of all different types of people and their preferences. Working at PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport I am fortunate enough to work with people from all different walks of life and this has made me a more flexible, well rounded professional.
8. What’s your biggest life achievement to date?
It goes without saying that my biggest achievement to date is winning the 2014 HM Award for Food and Beverage Associate. It was a real honour to represent PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport and gain recognition for the outstanding food and beverage services that are on offer at the hotel.
9. What’s one in-flight travel tip?
Be patient when boarding and disembarking on a flight. It can be stressful at times, but remember to take a deep breath and keep calm!
10. What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Be open and ready for new opportunities. The travel industry is all about change, so be ready to embrace the new. Don’t get comfortable doing just one thing – look for new challenges.
Getting to Know You is our good will gesture to promote the TIME program. The TIME program is focused on a Mentor/Mentee relationship that is ‘mentee-driven’. Mentors are drawn from the senior ranks of the industry and have generously volunteered their time and energy to the mentor process. They are matched to Mentees on the basis of non-conflicting business skills and experience that enables them to offer advice and perspective to the Mentee. The role of the Mentor is to hold their Mentee accountable and to offer challenging ideas that will inspire the Mentee, helping to building the individuals self confidence through praise, encouragement and constructive feedback.
If you are interested in joining TIME as a mentor or mentee visit their website
