“A day in the life of” Rob Rankin, owner Vagabond tours & Sustainable Travel Ireland (STI)

Rob is the founder and owner Vagabond tours – Ireland’s leading small group tour operator and one of the most respected brands in Irish tourism. The company has achieved many firsts in Irish tourism, in terms of innovation, product development and marketing. Vagabond has also won many awards and is the only Irish company to be chosen as one of National Geographic Traveller’s ‘50 Tours of a Lifetime’.

Rob is also recognised as a practical and dedicated voice for sustainable tourism in Ireland, not only through the actions of Vagabond but as the owner of Sustainable Travel Ireland (STI), which trains and certifies Irish tourism businesses according to their GSTC recognised criteria. Although he certainly wouldn’t claim to be an expert…

Outside of his day jobs, Rob also wears a few other hats. He is currently President of the ITOA (Incoming Tour Operators Association), was the co-founder and founding chairman of the IAAT (Ireland’s Association of Adventure Tourism) and sits on many leading industry working groups and committees.

Q 1- How does your normal day begin?

At the moment it starts with a 15-20 minute team ‘huddle’ on zoom. It’s a great way for everyone to have a quick check-in and a chat and discuss what we are working on that day.

Q 2- What are your biggest daily challenges?

Dry January was a challenge, but amazingly I managed it. Time management can be a struggle, as I seem to be wearing a few hats right now. Not getting distracted on zoom calls, that’s very tricky.

Q3- What do you love most about your job?
The team and the variety. One minute you could be working on the website, the next it could be working on a vehicle or a spreadsheet. Obviously, I also love being on tour and am looking forward to getting back on the road.

Q 4- What do you do to relax?

I love hanging out with the family and also doing a bit of running, hiking, mountain biking with my son, quick dips in the sea with my wife, a bit of karate, reading and building things (often with the help of a five-year-old!).

Q 5-Favourite staycation destination in Ireland and why?

Skellig Michael is the most amazing place to visit. But I think for a vacation West Cork is hard to beat. Great scenery, super pubs, very welcoming locals and a relaxed, old-fashioned pace of life.

Q 6-Favourite holiday destination worldwide?

Namibia, maybe because it is so opposite of here. Amazing wilderness, arid desert, incredible wildlife and pretty good tourism infrastructure.

Q 7-Favourite Business motto?

Our vagabond motto is ‘Hic Laborum Pervincet’, which is a rough translation of ‘it beats working’

Q 8. Advice for young business entrepreneurs

Always work in the industry before setting up your own business, for at least two years. The experience you will gain will be invaluable.