Women in Travel: Mona Tannous
In our exclusive collection, we chat to Sultanate of Oman Tourism’s country manager, Australia & New Zealand about evolution, her giant family and holding her own in a ‘man’s world.’
Can you tell us a little about your career progression?
My start in the travel industry commenced in August 2004, after being a fulltime carer for my dad, when I was offered a job selling travel to travel agents which I laughed at. I mean, I had no experience in the industry, merely a solid track record in sales and that’s what the company needed.
I didn’t know the difference between a GDS or a CRM or any of the lingo but the opportunity came to learn and I grabbed it. I was in the role for 18 months when another career change presented itself in 2006 – working for Oman Tourism. I knew that was a sign that I had found my path in this industry.
After 10 years, I still love what I do and that’s telling the story of an incredible land. I feel it even more so now that I get to share my own experiences with consumers and travel agents who want to delve deeper into the country and truly explore it.
What would you say is your defining career achievement or the thing you are most proud of?
Winning the 2012 Best International Tourism Board honour at the NTIAs – we had one fulltime staff member (me) and only a part time PR person who worked two days a week.
Being nominated by Emma Isaacs (founder of Business Chicks) for the 2014 Telstra Businesswomen of the Year Awards was also sublime.
Lastly, being headhunted to be 2IC to the global head of one of the biggest international tourism boards was also overwhelming.
What have been the biggest challenges to success you’ve encountered professionally?
Holding my own in a “man’s” world – two previous careers were in the arena of Foreign Exchange and International Money markets and also Freight Forwarding/Logistics – which are two very male dominated industries where you traditionally worked your way to the top.
I was very naïve and saw myself through ethnic immigrant where sheer hard work gets you places, so the name-calling and innuendo was spiteful and hurtful.
But I had an incredible mentor who basically kept saying that “nobody can dim your light without your permission” and that has been the most powerful statement that I still live by.
I didn’t go to university and have no formal qualifications in what I do. Some companies see that as a negative, but to me being street smart and attuned to life is the better than a degree from the finest university in this world.
With the benefit of wisdom, what advice would you give your 21 y/o self when you were starting out in your career?
How you feel right now won’t matter in one, two or three months let alone years. Life is an evolution and we as individuals have to learn to evolve with circumstances beyond our control. Let things go and back yourself. I would also give myself permission to make mistakes.
How would you describe your business/management style? What sort of things are most important to you professionally?
Empowerment is the greatest tool I have given myself and therefore other people as well as creating a work environment that encourages people to step up and speak up.
We spend so much time at work that if the environment is not conducive to allowing people to speak their mind then that causes dissent and negativity. A key is to listen to understand rather than listening to respond and giving people the opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas is paramount to me.
It’s also about challenging myself and pushing my own boundaries personally that allow me to grow professionally – because one is the hand, the other is the glove.
Who are the people you admire most professionally or in any field/walk of life?
Authors Caroline Myss and Marianne Williamson; two incredible women whose books have impacted my life in ways words can’t express.
The poem “A Return to Love” is permanently stuck on my desk. Her book “A Woman’s Worth” by Marianne Williamson is a mantra for each and every woman. Caroline Myss is one of this world’s greatest teachers – she spiritually challenging and has taught me to walk my path with gratitude and with grace.
What do you do to unwind when you aren’t working? What is most important to you outside the office?
I love cooking and get so much joy from having my whole family – four sisters, nine nieces and nephews – come together for a meal.
My personal time is my time and often just sitting in silence, meditating and being present gives me so much joy rather than being the social butterfly that some people perceive me to be.
For you, what’s the best aspect of working in the travel industry?
We work in a dynamic, ever-changing industry that is laden with opportunities and possibilities. It’s Inspirational and aspirational which most industries aren’t. The long-term business partnerships that are formed and the friends that you meet along the journey are so important as well. You never know how they may impact your life later on, you just know they do.
What one thing gets you through a stressful day?
Meditating or taking time out to just sit in silence for a minute or 10 is vital for me. You can easily lose yourself and taking time out to nurture yourself is so critical. Dancing around like a crazy aunt with my nieces and nephews is also awesome and so grounding.
You can see the other ladies from our exclusive Women in Travel series here:
- Kim Portrate
- Ann Sherry
- Olivia Wirth
- Lisa Ronson
- Kaylene Shuttlewood
- Melanie Waters-Ryan
- Katrina Barry
- Lalie Ngozi
- Donna Meads-Barlow
- Rachel Argaman
- Judith Crompton
- Sandra Chipchase
- Margy Osmond
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
women in travelLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!