In a field as people-centered as tourism, technical skills alone won’t carry you far. For Joshua Destor, Certified Tourism Professional, success has always been about adaptability, consistency, and heart for service. “Adaptability, communication, customer service skill, and a positive attitude,” he said, are the most essential traits anyone should develop. His early years as a student tour guide, followed by roles in check-in and airport operations, shaped his ability to “stay calm under pressure and create memorable experiences.”
Now in a leadership-track role within aviation operations, he sees attention to detail and accountability as qualities that define long-term success.
Learning as a Lifeline
For Joshua, staying competitive means treating learning as a daily habit. “Continuous learning is one factor to stay competitive,” he explained. Even outside work hours, he invests in LinkedIn courses, certifications, and industry updates. In aviation, he believes the real edge is not just technical know-how but consistency. “Competitiveness is about showing up prepared, delivering reliable service, and continuously improving,” he said.
That philosophy traces back to the best advice he ever received: “Never stop learning because every day is a learning process.” It’s wisdom he first heard from his best friend and later applied to every stage of his career. “It shaped how I approach challenges—seeing them not as setbacks, but as opportunities to learn, improve, and grow stronger.”
A Nonlinear Career Journey
Joshua’s path has not been a straight line. He started in e-commerce and customer service with Geant Online in Dubai before entering aviation as a check-in officer. Later, he pivoted to finance as a junior accountant with Emirates Airline. “It was very challenging for me because I only had limited knowledge about finance and accounting,” he admitted.
The transition tested both his resilience and faith. “I had a fear that I might fail because I do not have an accounting nor finance background, but I just prayed to our Almighty God to bless me with knowledge,” he recalled. Supported by friends and family, he spent “sleepless nights of research, reading books, and preparing for assessments.” The effort paid off: he passed, secured the position, and proved that perseverance and determination can turn a career shift into a growth opportunity. “This is a testament that resilience and motivation are the keys to success,” he said.
What Makes a Standout Candidate
When asked what makes someone stand out in such a demanding sector, Joshua emphasized service mindset over appearance. “A standout candidate is defined not only by technical expertise but also by the ability to embody service excellence,” he explained. Adaptability, attention to detail, and a positive attitude, he believes, will always matter more than resumes or titles.
Leadership Rooted in Example
Though not yet in a formal leadership role, Joshua has already developed a reputation for leading by example. “The ‘can do attitude’ is one of my special skills,” he said. His approach is hands-on, supportive, and adaptive, particularly in airport operations. When acting as Supervisor on Duty, he makes it a point to be present at the counters, assisting colleagues and modeling professionalism.
He inspires his team through consistency: “The team members will see that positivity in you and they’ll be encouraged to do the same.” Recognition also plays a role. “Acknowledging their work and appreciating even small achievements inspires them to give their best,” he added.
Conflict management, too, is guided by patience. “Managing difficult team members begins with listening and figuring out the underlying problem,” Joshua explained. Misunderstandings, he noted, often dissolve with calm dialogue and mutual respect.
Leadership Lessons from the Ground
Joshua’s leadership philosophy reflects lessons learned from real-world challenges. “Being a leader isn’t only about having a title—it’s about setting an example, motivating others, and ensuring the team works effectively together,” he said. In his view, empathy, accountability, and fairness are non-negotiables for any leader in service.
One of the toughest decisions he has faced came during peak airport operations. With multiple flights departing at once, he had to prioritize passengers to prevent delays. “Every choice had an impact, whether on passenger satisfaction or on-time performance,” he said. Remaining calm and decisive allowed him to balance organizational goals with both team morale and customer service.
Building the Future Through ITHP
As a Certified Tourism Professional, Joshua credits the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals (ITHP) with strengthening his career foundation. “Being part of ITHP has significantly advanced my career by providing a holistic understanding of the industry,” he said. The program exposed him to service excellence and operations management standards, as well as a network of peers and mentors.
More importantly, ITHP gave him confidence. “It helped build professional credibility with stakeholders, clients, and colleagues,” he shared. For him, the institute is more than just a certification body—it’s a community of support, knowledge, and shared purpose.
His advice to future members is simple: “Take full advantage of networking opportunities. Engaging with these connections not only broadens one’s perspective but also establishes credibility in the industry.”
