As COO of Radisson Hotel Group Middle East & Africa, Tim Cordon does his fair share of travelling, jetting between Greece, Saudi, Senegal and beyond for a healthy balance of business and pleasure. Here, he chats to DOTW News about his love of travel, why Riyadh is where he relaxes and where to get the best seafood in Senegal... 

What is your funniest memory of working in hospitality?
I think if you work in hotels long enough you really see it all. A couple of standout moments are the time I had to try and lift a car up and move it out of the way of an arriving bridal party when it had been parked in front of the main doors. Or when two brides arrived at the same time, that was interesting…

If you could spend a day working in any position at one of your Radisson hotels, which role would it be and why?
I miss being a GM and would love to go back to being a GM for a day, having your team around you in a buzzing hotel is where it’s at!

If you were to design your own dream hotel (no holds barred on budget or logistics!), what unique features and amenities would you include?
I love cycling so I’d probably want to have a virtual cycling set up in my room or in the gym. If budget’s not an issue, then a personalised garage for each room with their choice of super car!

As a frequent traveller, what are your top travel tips?
Use a shirt bag to keep folded shirts crease-free – it makes a big difference and saves you getting the iron out when you land.

When you’re travelling, what is it you miss most about Dubai?
There’s no place like home… I miss my family the most and just being at home.

Following your travels, what’s the first thing you do when you return home?
See the children – then unpack, do it straight away.

Where are you travelling to this summer and what will you get up to?
Greece, it’s my wife’s home so we go back most years to see the family there and explore the beaches, like Akrata or the island of Naxos.

Favourite city, bar the one you live in?
London, it has it’s good and bad bits, but I still miss it.

Of all the destinations you’ve travelled to with Radisson Hotel Group, what have been some of your standouts?
South Africa is always quite special. I love the outdoors and that country is very beautiful. Kenya and Senegal are also right up there as amazing places to go to.

What place would you most like to travel to that you haven’t been yet?
Japan. I’ll make it there one day, but I’d love to explore a country that has such a distinct culture.

In the fast-paced industry of hospitality, how do you relax and recharge?
I like cycling, which is a great way to unplug and relax. You really have your thoughts to yourself on the bike….

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career in hospitality?
It’s all and always about the people in every part of our business: great teams and great service make a great business.

Best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
Be constantly curious and volunteer for everything.

If you could wave a wand over the hospitality industry, what would you change/do?
I’d like to accelerate tech adoption in hotels – we’re getting there, but really seamless online check-in/out, choosing your room, playing your own content on the in-room TV… It’s all there but it’s not as well developed or intuitive as it should be.

What is your motto?
Support your team no matter what – then simplify and deliver.

Radisson Hotel Group is known for its commitment to sustainability. What do you do at home to live more sustainably?
We have a separate contract with a recycling company at home so we can really reduce the impact of our household waste. We also spend a lot of time making sure our house is as energy efficient as possible.

You have hotels all around the world, but if you could open a Radisson Hotel somewhere new tomorrow, where would it be?
I’d love to open a hotel in Zanzibar – a magical place on the edge of Tanzania with strong historical connections to the Middle East.

Thinking about all the Radisson hotels around the world… Where is the best place for escaping to?
Our Radisson Blu Resort in Maldives resort is a great escape…

Which destination excites or inspires you the most?
It’s difficult to top Dubai – it may be home but it’s an incredible destination too.

Which hotel would you most like to live in?
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town. It’s right on the ocean and I can cycle every day!

Where would you go for your favourite meal?
To Dakar Sea Plaza at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar, for fresh fish straight from the Atlantic.

Which hotel would you visit for a relaxing holiday?
Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort. I know that’s perhaps not an obvious choice, but it’s such a unique and special hotel. I stayed there with the family recently and really unplugged and relaxed.

And if you were looking for excitement or adventure, which would it be?
Radisson Blu Livingstone, Zambia, to do an incredible safari.

www.radissonhotels.com