Name: George Green

Title: Marketing Executive

Company: Projects Abroad 

Member Since: October 2018

 

 

The young demographic, notably generation Z is becoming more aware of global issues. Climate change has had the spotlight intensified with environmentally damaging companies receiving bad press.

What has your company been up to in the past 12 months?

Projects Abroad have been working towards making the world a better place in 2019. With our projects all tailored towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In Sri Lanka, we received an award from the UN for our commitments towards ethical volunteerism.

We have also been working hard to innovate our product offering. We have officially launched new ‘Ethical Consumerism Trips’ covering ‘Wine and Culture’, ‘Coffee and Chocolate’, ‘Fast Fashion Awareness’ and ‘Plastic Education and Recycling’. 

We are also launching some more new trips options called ‘Backpack University’ and ‘Authentic Adventures’.

What are the current or emerging trends within your sector?

The young demographic, notably generation Z is becoming more aware of global issues. Climate change has had the spotlight intensified with environmentally damaging companies receiving bad press.

At Projects Abroad we have always created projects with the environment in mind. However, we can always improve and that’s why we have increased our reforestation efforts by planting over 200,000 trees in 2019. In addition to this, we now offset all the carbon produced on volunteer’s flights for free included in our price. That means all our volunteers can travel guilt-free.   

How does your role support the business?

I operate in the marketing function of Projects Abroad. Predominantly I’m involved in content creation for our website. More recently I have shifted my role into product development, developing new products to stay ahead of the curve and ultimately ensure we continue to appeal to the younger generations which make up the majority of our target market.

What has been your career highlight to date?

I have only been with Projects Abroad full-time for 6 months. In this short space of time, I have had a few notable achievements including:

• Writing and directing our submission for the BETA Customer Service award and winning silver on the awards night 
• Gaining approval to develop a new travel product called “Backpack University”
• Signing up a group of Girl Guides to go on a volunteering mission to Romania in 2020

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Ask for forgiveness, not permission” Sometimes in work and life you have to use your initiative and learn from taking action. However, if the action that you are taking Is business-critical, you should ask for permission or at least consult the appropriate members of staff. 

Where is your favourite place to travel to?

I have many favourite places to travel which are all unique in their own way. Nepal for its mountains, India for its stunning food but one place, In particular, stands out and that’s Turkey! Throughout my childhood I have enjoyed so many happy holidays here with my family, enjoying the sun, food, culture and nature that Turkey has to offer. From the crystal clear bays, meandering gorges, picturesque sunsets and infusing smells from the spice markets; Turkey is my second home. 

If you were not working in this sector what other industry would you have pursued a career in?

I love to help people and currently, I get to do that by helping less fortunate communities around the world with Projects Abroad. However, if I wasn’t working in travel I can see myself in the fitness industry. Keeping fit and healthy is something that I’m very passionate about, so I guess I’d love to be a personal trainer and help other people achieve their fitness goals.

What’s next for your company?

Projects Abroad were founded in 1992 and since then we have kept to a similar organisational model focusing our efforts on volunteering projects that help less fortunate communities. We are continuing to do this but at the same time, we are actively developing new travel experiences to attract a wider audience. By this I don’t mean general travel experiences, I mean experiences which are meaningful and help tourists truly understand and align with the culture and country they’re visiting.

Find out more and connect with Projects Abroad here