Midweek Interview with Terry Oomens, Director of Sales, Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney

Midweek Interview with Terry Oomens, Director of Sales, Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney

Terry takes some time out of his busy day to talk to us about delivering excellent service, paying it forward and some very naughty antics.

The challenge for the industry is… balancing expectations from guests, hotel management companies and owners

The things I like about my job… with the $12M re-design at Radisson Blu Sydney underway there is something new and exciting happening every day

And the frustrations are… finding a lifestyle/work balance. We work in an industry that demands long hours and excellent service which can be hard to maintain sometimes

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… a bartender

Favourite airline? Air New Zealand – they are inspiring and innovative (and of course safe!)

My proudest moment was… of course marrying my wife Donna and bringing up three sons

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… blow up letterboxes with firecrackers (when I was a kid of course!)

I try to relax by… enjoying good food, good wine and good company and playing sport .. to balance that out!

The last time I feared for my life was… being a passenger in the car with my son on L plates

If I can, I always try to avoid… traffic

I really wish I had… competed in the Olympics

The best advice I’ve ever received was… pay it forward – not only does someone else benefit, it makes you feel good to so it’s a win/win situation

I don’t understand why people… from Virgin Galactic haven’t invited me yet to do a flight to the edge of space! I’m waiting for the invitation!

My greatest weakness is… food generally

And my greatest strength is… I care. I care about my family, my staff and our customers. Care is so imporant in this industry

If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… spend it! On family, friends, food & wine and experiences. I would just spend it!

If I was prime minister I would… not know where to start!

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… David Attenborough

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Scandinavia, mainly because of its unsurpassed natural phenomena with the northern lights, midnight sun and polar nights

My favourite holiday was… so many but I think the Dominican Republic and Hawaii,

Latest News

  • Cruise

Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity

Tauck introduces two new itineraries – Istanbul to Athens and Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily – as part of its 2025 plans for its river cruising and small ship ocean cruising. With a busy year ahead, Tauck will also be boosting its capacity on the River Seine. In small ship ocean cruising, Tauck will […]

  • Road & Rail

Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries

Railbookers has unveiled a selection of Italian itineraries which feature the debut of the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, launching in 2025. Travellers will enjoy everything the new train has to offer, combined with curated hotel accommodation and sightseeing activities for the complete Italian luxury holiday. “We’re excited to bring our expertise and […]

  • Aviation

Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets

Auckland Airport has revealed a first detailed look at the planned interior for the city’s future new domestic jet terminal and what it will deliver for coming generations of passengers. Expected to open by 2030 the terminal takes design cues from the Manukau Harbour and surrounding landscape include a range of modern airport services.  “Easy […]

  • Aviation

Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week

Air New Zealand cabin crew used sign language to communicate with passengers, including signing the inflight announcements and onboard service offerings, in a world-first to mark the beginning of New Zealand Sign Language Week, from 6-12 May. Customers on NZ421 from Auckland to Wellington were also encouraged to give New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) a […]

  • Cruise

Holland America Line’s giving one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience

Holland America Line is offering a “Win The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience” as its latest incentive to lure Aussie cruisers to the northern hemisphere hotspot. One lucky winner will embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the perfectly mid-sized Koningsdam, departing from Anchorage, Alaska on August 13, 2024, and arriving in Vancouver on August 24. The […]

  • Events

CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner

The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]