"If you have something you want to do, simply do it. Look for the reasons why you should do it, not the excuses why you shouldn't," says Shannon Walker. He believes in the importance of such an attitude. When you try new things, sometimes you fail, but, says Mr. Walker confidently, "Failure is a learning experience." He possesses a passionate side that contrasts with his gentle manner. His life and work are heavily influenced by a pioneering spirit that is not afraid of failure but instead seeks to break away from the familiar and stimulate the curiosity within.
Mr. Walker works for the Japan office of Tourism New Zealand (TNZ). He joined the company about two years ago. He says that although he was born in New Zealand, his long time abroad in England, Australia and other countries has made him want to know more about his own country. "I wanted to rediscover the charm of New Zealand and my pride in it." His current job is to stimulate demand in travel to New Zealand, especially through events where Japanese people can experience New Zealand while being in Japan. There are only two New Zealanders working in TNZ's Japan office. That, he says, is precisely why he wants to be active as the face of New Zealand. Mr. Walker says he first took an interest in Japan as a student when he met some Japanese tourists through the common pastime of surfing. That he is now working in the field of tourism in Japan can only indicate a certain profound connection.
Mr. Walker notes, "Many of my peers chose to go Europe or Canada for study abroad, but I wanted to venture out a bit and go to Japan." His first visit to Japan was while in high school. Since then he has made the trip many times and has lived in Japan for seven years all together. At first he was taken aback by the unique practice in the Japanese business world of spending so much time in meetings and on preparations. Now, however, he says he feels that by spending so much time preparing, Japanese people are able to ensure that things get done within the budget and time constraints and that everything goes smoothly. He says he wants to continue to gain experience in the business environment of Japan. This is an indication of his positive attitude of not trying to escape from the unfamiliar business customs of Japan but seeking to absorb the strong points and use them for his own personal growth.
Mr. Walker is the epitome of an active man on his days off. On some days you might find him on the train to Okutama with a mountain bike on his shoulder, or on winter days you might find him enjoying backcountry skiing in Niigata. I just had to ask him if he doesn't miss the lush natural settings of New Zealand living in Japan. He replied, "The great thing about Tokyo is that you can have this amazing urban experience, yet you only need to take the train for an hour or so and there are many places where you can get close to nature." Entertainment facilities and shopping center complexes are all the talk in Tokyo, but Mr. Walker seeks out the natural beauty instead. He says he wants people to experience and enjoy New Zealand for themselves in the same way, and works daily to communicate the country's charm.
New Zealand and Japan share many geological traits in common. For example, they are both elongated islands and have volcanoes and thermal areas with hot springs. He speaks of New Zealanders' strong desire to preserve their beautiful natural environment for future generations. Mr. Walker encourages those who have up until now only participated in passive vacations consisting of bus tours where all you do is look at the scenery to be adventurous and try cycling, sea kayaking, walking and other such tours. He says that by doing so they can observe and experience New Zealanders' respect for nature and way of living first hand, and that since last autumn there has been a travel promotion campaign, based on the theme of walking, to increase the number of "interactive travelers." The idea is that by walking the trails, touching the trees, feeling the breezes and interacting with the locals, the travelers can experience new and fascinating things about New Zealand missed on ordinary tours and thereby come away with a more memorable experience. A trip where you get around on your own two feet and experience things first-hand is sure to bring new discoveries and spark a new sense of curiosity.
Mr. Walker explains, "Whenever I have a chance to experience new things, I want to go for it fearlessly. I don't want to look back with regret at not having done things." It is this attitude that makes him an "interactive traveler" with a truly pioneering spirit.
Tourism New Zealand
http://www.newzealand.com
