Midweek Interview: Danielle Tuffield, national sales manager Australia, Universal studios Hollywood
The challenge for the industry is….figuring out how to combine the online momentum with the experience and back up of qualified travel professionals. The two can complement each other nicely if we embrace it and work with it instead of fighting against it.
The things I like about my job are….it's a live working movie studio with a theme park. What's not to love? I have been visiting Universal Studios Hollywood since I was a little girl and I love that even after over 30 visits it is still as fun and exciting. Things are always changing and evolving with popular culture.
And the frustrations….when people say to me "Oh I've been there and done that, so I don't need to go again". Not true people! We have recently launched the award winning Transformers the Ride 3D which is an incredible experience and we still have the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to look forward to. We have different ticket options, including our VIP experience, which provide varied ways to experience Universal Studios Hollywood. Plus there will be another thrilling announcement soon. Watch this space!
If I didn't work in travel I would be a….personal shopper. Let me loose in a mall and I am the happiest person around.
Qantas or Virgin?….both carriers are so important for travel to the USA so I couldn't choose.
My proudest moment was….having my two beautiful children who surprise and delight me every day.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was….narrowing this down was difficult as I am pretty up for a dare but I would say one that can actually go to print would be the time we ‘entered' the Olympic Stadium after it has closed and ran around the track pretending to be Cathy Freeman.
I try to relax by….exercising and reading. Oh and watching really bad TV like Fashion Police. Love it!
The last time I feared for my life….was on a Russian plane in Cuba taking off in what they called a bad wind and what I would call a typhoon. Terrifying.
If I can, I always try to avoid….negative nellies.
I really wish I had….more time in a day.
The best advice I've ever received was….the only thing you get from looking back is a sore neck.
I don't understand why….more companies don't embrace working mothers by providing flexibility in the workplace. Longer hours do not necessarily mean greater productivity.
My greatest weakness is….chocolate and a great cab sav. Together or separately.
And my greatest strength….to be able to laugh at pretty much anything.
If I was prime minister I would….insist on marriage equality and reduce some of the crazy passenger and movement taxes.
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would….like to say that I would be completely magnanimous and donate it all to charity but the reality is I would probably buy a lot of shoes.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be….Neil Armstrong. Did he really walk on the moon?!
I've always wanted to travel to….South Africa. It is one of the places I am super keen to see but never seem to make it happen. Now I think I will wait until my kids are a little older to truly appreciate it.
My favourite holiday was…California. Was, is and always will be. I love to travel all over the world but for having everything you need in one beautiful spot, you just can't beat the Golden State. In fact you will find me there visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with my family on our next holiday.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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