Hamish Cunningham
Surrounded by joy is not a descriptor that too many people would apply to their job, but that is how Hamish Cunningham, Guiding and Activities Manager at the prestigious Saffire Freycinet Resort, describes his current role in Tourism and Hospitality.
Quite literally surrounded by the Freycinet Peninsula, with dreamy views of Tasmania’s infamous Hazards, one could argue the association is easy, but Hamish explains it goes further than an appreciation for locality and that it stems from his connection with people.
“It's rewarding to work in a job where my average day is my guests’ best day. It's so great to be always surrounded by so much joy,” he beams.
“That might be a really special occasion, an anniversary or a honeymoon… You might think of it as I'm only playing a small part in this, but for our guests, it's something major. Every once in a while, when I remind myself of that, it just brings home for me why I love what I do so much.”
Reflecting on his career, Hamish’s introduction to the Hospitality and Tourism industry came whilst studying at university in Hobart. Entering without any pre-existing experience, his give-it-a-go attitude quickly saw him rewarded through job progression, starting as a Hotel Porter, then Concierge, to quickly becoming a Duty Manager.
“I had moved to Hobart to study at university and I just needed to find some work on the side to put me through my degree. I had a friend of mine who mentioned that there was some work available at a hotel and I'd never thought about working in that environment before, but a job's a job,” he laughs. “After I finished at Uni, I just had fallen so in love with the place I was working at and meeting people traveling to Tasmania, from all over the world. That was eight years ago – one thing led to another and I’ve moved around and I’m still in the industry.”
After being in and around Hobart in various Tourism and Hospitality roles, Hamish had the opportunity to move to one of his favourite parts in Tasmania – the Freycinet Peninsula – and work at Saffire Freycinet Resort.
“I started at Saffire in the guest services team (similar to other hotel reception roles) greeting guests as they arrive and doing a lot of correspondence with them prior to their stay. We [Saffire] have an amazing team of guides as well that take our guests out on tours, experiencing all the wonderful things here on the Freycinet Peninsula.”
Now, Hamish enjoys a great work life balance as their Guiding and Activities Manager where he can be found surfing or hiking around the local trails in his spare time.
“Getting out of the city has been a really, really nice change of pace.” He says, “We've got a little bit of a community out here where I've made friends with a few surfers and hikers. So in my downtime, I get to spend a lot of time following my passions.”
“I've learned a lot along the way and it's helped me to try and see Tasmania like a tourist sees Tasmania. Looking for the things that make this place amazing, make it special, which is a really, really good way to approach life.”
Unlike many perceptions of the Tourism and Hospitality industry, Hamish sees it as a very rewarding long-term career. His personal development and love for the state being two (out of a long list) of things that have strengthened over time.
“I've learned a lot along the way and it's helped me to try and see Tasmania like a tourist sees Tasmania. Looking for the things that make this place amazing, make it special, which is a really, really good way to approach life.”
“When I first started working in the industry, I was a pretty shy kid who hadn’t had much experience. And since then, I think I’ve developed a lot of confidence and I’ve found something and developed a skill which gives me a sense of purpose and identity and a passion to follow”.
Hamish’s career trajectory is a great example of how far the Tasmanian Tourism Industry can take you, by simply trying the profession for yourself.
“One of the great things about the industry is that there are no barriers to entry. If you are the kind of person who enjoys making someone else’s day, creating memories and you like being around people, give it a go.” He adds, “There's lots of ways to find your way into it and once you've got that foot in, it's pretty easy to find your feet.”
