Xpat Interview: Julianna Kovács, Managing Director, B2Sky Hungary Travel Agency

  • 16 Jul 2014 12:00 PM
Xpat Interview: Julianna Kovács, Managing Director, B2Sky Hungary Travel Agency
Julianna Kovacs – managing director of B2Sky Hungary travel agency and airline GSA company - has spent more than 25 years in airline and tourism industry.

She began her career at Malév Hungarian Airlines and passing through the ranks she gathered professional and managerial experiences in the operation , marketing and product development fields. She ended her career at Malév as the CEO's advisor.

She worked on the international ground in Qatar at Qatar Airways and Qatar National Olympic Committee.

As the co-owner of Kalamaru Travel Ltd., Cypriot-Hungarian Travel Agency she got practice in the tourist industry not only in Hungary but in Cyprus.

As short detour ICST hold the CEO's position, and at the Veszprém handball ladies team the post of Director of Marketing.
She continued her carrier in airline industry at leading Hungarian travel agencies and airline representation offices as key account manager of Air Baltic, Aer Lingus, AeroSvit and Jet2.com.

She graduated at ELTE ESTT (Russian-Hungarian teacher), at Budapest Business School (marketing economist), at Semmelweis University, Faculty of TS (karate coach). She holds a diploma of IATA ( Management in a Service Organisation) and of tertiary tourism education.

In her free time she deals with animal protection and charity. She has been the Board Member of United Way Foundation for seven years, a supporter today. As a former national team athlete she is an enthusiastic kickboxing and handball fan. Her hobby is the studying the Mediterranean and Arabic culture.

1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Budapest, though I spent some of my childhood and the summer months in Sárvár, that is where my father is from, but we could say I’m a real ‘Budapester’.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I was an expat in Cyprus and Qatar and genuinely enjoyed this experience. In Qatar I was an international project manager for the Olympics Committee, our aim was to publicize the country through sports. We also provided programs for the citizens during weekdays, for example we held a Ferrari race which was a great success.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
When I was abroad I missed my family and my friends but nothing else.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Naturally I would show them the regular sights such as the Hero’s Square, Buda Castle, Széchenyi Baths etc. The ruin pubs – especially Szimpla – are definitely a must-see. I would also recommend the extra-ordinary Cold War Park in Budaörs and the Kéhli Vendéglő for authentic Hungarian food.

5. What is your favourite food?
My ultimate favourite is taboulleh which is traditional Lebanese Arab salad made of bulgur, tomatoes, parsley, onion seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice. As for Hungarian dishes I love lecsó.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?
I used to do kick-boxing. I was even a member of the Hungarian National Team.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
It would have to be the City Park. That is where I met the love of my life.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I am a real mother hen. I would love to do something like Mother Theresa but without the religious obligations, however I am a believer. I’ve been a board member of the United Way of Hungary Foundation for 7 years, which I truly enjoyed and definitely I am still a supporter.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
I would never be an accountant.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Cyprus, it is basically a second home to me.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Cyprus. I just cannot get enough of that wonderful place.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I adore Greek folk music. I was 16 when I became a dancer of a Greek folk dance group and I still used to go for Greek events with my friends.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
I don’t let a day end without walking with my dog.

14. Red wine or white?
I don’t drink wine, but I surely love home-made pálinka. Especially the grape and the quince flavours.

15. Book or movie?
It depends on my mood. My favourite movie is MASH, it is a classic. My favourite book is the Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy. I was 14, when I read it first.

16. Morning person or night person?
Without doubt I am a night owl. Waking up in the morning is a real torture for me.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
I am particularly concerned about animal cruelty. I wish we could find a way to raise more awareness about the importance of neutering to avoid of unnecessary offspring.

18. Buda or Pest side?
Pest, Zugló.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
My daughter, and my ability to find the balance between family life and career.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
There is a Hungarian saying: ‘Nincs lehetetlen, csak tehetetlen.’ There is no impossibility, only unwillingness. In rough translation: nothing is impossible, there’re just helpless people who believe in impossibility.

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