Meet Petr, Chapter Leader of Prague

We introduce to you today Petr Klymec, chapter leader of Travel Massive Prague and a part of our global team.

We’ve asked Petr a few questions that would help Travel Massive insiders get a better understanding of the Prague Travel Massive community while sharing with you a little bit about the man in charge!

Tell us a bit about yourself Petr.

My career started in USA where I used to work for a tour operator. I then went through a period of working in international trade in Brazil and management consulting in UK before I returned to the roots and to what I love the most – the travel business. Still in UK and later in the Czech Republic I participated and co-founded several travel start-up projects. I also provide consulting services in business planning, marketing, sales, customer acquisition and product development for travel businesses.

How did you first get involved with Travel Massive?

In 2011 during the World Travel Market in London I met couple of folks who invited me to a Travel Massive after party. I joined the group and participated in most of the events in 2012 in London where I used to live. Back in my hometown Prague in January 2013, I asked Travel Massive if there was any chance I could set an event up in Prague. I had a chat with Michael – the London chapter leader and the first Travel Massive Prague was held.

What motivates you to be part of Travel Massive?

The community. It is very inspiring to meet interesting people from all different segments of travel business and have the privilige to learn from them and share with them. The exchage of information, learnings and contacts is very intense and it all happens quite naturally. There is no other community or organization in travel industry like Travel Massive.

What kinds of current or emerging startups, travel companies, and tourism initiatives exist?

One of the macro trends here in Prague is to bring tourism to a regional level to further diversify services and options for the visitors. Another important trend is the impact of new tech and apps such as local interactive maps, on-line guidebooks, apps integrating anything from transport, taxis to hotels and tours and activities.

Do you do anything unique at your meet-ups?

Last year we implemented “event topics” that set the stage for richer discussions and open opportunity for insiders to present best practices, know-how or experiences. Some of the most successful topics included travel startups and innovation, branding in travel business, the power of a travel story and food travel.

Also, once a year we hold a “Travel Massive On the Roll” which is a special summer event that happens outdoors. One year we rented 30 canoes with a guide and floated the entire Saturday on a river. Another year we had 40 bikes and spent the whole day exploring outside of Prague. Last year we did a half day crypto-scavenger hunt around the city. The community changes after event like this, colleagues and peers turn into friends and we have loads of fun.

What is your best advice to a newcomer who wants to attend a Travel Massive event for the first time?

Don’t be shy, come, mingle and have fun! Our events are informal and you can have a great chat over a drink with a fellow freelancer, entrepreneur, journalist, hotel manager or travel agency director. Who knows, you might be speaking to your future partner, employer, employee, contractor, media outlet or supplier. Don’t think to much, just come and let the magic happen!

Leader of the Pack is a monthly series that profiles the organizers and leaders of Travel Massive chapters around the world. You can get in touch with Petr via Facebook and Twitter.