The Microsoft Country Manager, Cyprus and Malta, tells Gold how he has traversed the globe, visiting locations from Europe to the United States of America and even Africa, and explains why – despite his many experiences abroad – there is still no place like home.
By Effy Pafitis
How often do you travel, whether for business or pleasure?
I travel on a monthly basis, mainly for business. The countries I usually visit are USA, Germany and Malta.
I travel on a monthly basis, mainly for business. The countries I usually visit are USA, Germany and Malta.
What is the most exciting destination you have visited for work?
Through my employment at Microsoft I have had the pleasure of travelling to numerous countries. If I had to choose one, it would be my trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, back in 2005. It was my first time there, and I was surprisingly amazed by the African culture and its people.
Through my employment at Microsoft I have had the pleasure of travelling to numerous countries. If I had to choose one, it would be my trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, back in 2005. It was my first time there, and I was surprisingly amazed by the African culture and its people.
And for pleasure?
Las Vegas! This city for me is the entertainment capital of the world and the global leader in the hospitality industry. It has the most luxurious hotels and casinos, the most spectacular shows, and the best dining offering.
Las Vegas! This city for me is the entertainment capital of the world and the global leader in the hospitality industry. It has the most luxurious hotels and casinos, the most spectacular shows, and the best dining offering.
Tell me about your best corporate travel experience.
Without a doubt, my trip to Monte Carlo last October! It was a combination of business and pleasure with my family, after I won a prestigious ‘Circle of Excellence’ internal award. This trip gave me the opportunity to share the “Microsoft World” experience with my family so that they could better understand the culture of this amazing company.
Without a doubt, my trip to Monte Carlo last October! It was a combination of business and pleasure with my family, after I won a prestigious ‘Circle of Excellence’ internal award. This trip gave me the opportunity to share the “Microsoft World” experience with my family so that they could better understand the culture of this amazing company.
What is your favourite airline, and why?
I have travelled with almost all airlines on the planet, with generally positive experiences. Over the last couple of years however I have become “committed” to British Airways for my long-distance flights.
I have travelled with almost all airlines on the planet, with generally positive experiences. Over the last couple of years however I have become “committed” to British Airways for my long-distance flights.
What is the most impressive hotel you have ever stayed at and why?
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel in Dubai; it’s a luxurious, stunning hotel with a distinctive sail-shaped figure. The hotel is located on an artificial island and provides a top-class stay and service. Highly recommended!
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel in Dubai; it’s a luxurious, stunning hotel with a distinctive sail-shaped figure. The hotel is located on an artificial island and provides a top-class stay and service. Highly recommended!
What is your favourite international destination and why?
New York City is by far my most beloved destination. I spent 6 years of my life there, I have many unforgettable memories and had countless enjoyable experiences. I still visit New York on a yearly basis, even if it’s only for a couple of days.
New York City is by far my most beloved destination. I spent 6 years of my life there, I have many unforgettable memories and had countless enjoyable experiences. I still visit New York on a yearly basis, even if it’s only for a couple of days.
How does Cyprus compare?
There is no place like home! Cyprus is a great country to live in and whenever I am away for a long period of time, I always look forward to coming back. Very often people tend to undervalue Cyprus but those who travel a lot really appreciate the quality of life our lovely country offers.
There is no place like home! Cyprus is a great country to live in and whenever I am away for a long period of time, I always look forward to coming back. Very often people tend to undervalue Cyprus but those who travel a lot really appreciate the quality of life our lovely country offers.
If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
Tough question... Actually I have two destinations I would like to visit in the near future: Brazil and Japan. Both countries have a fascinating culture and a colourful history that I would like to explore further.
Tough question... Actually I have two destinations I would like to visit in the near future: Brazil and Japan. Both countries have a fascinating culture and a colourful history that I would like to explore further.