Midweek Interview with Experience Oz’s Samantha Kamala

Midweek Interview with Experience Oz’s Samantha Kamala

We recently joined Experience Oz’s head of brand and strategy for a pint, a pie and a chat… actually, it was just a chat. The pic was supplied.

The challenge for the industry is…

Competing with international giants backed by impossible amounts of funding. This may not be the case for all tourism businesses, but it certainly impacts the experiential space.

The things I like about my job are…

The freedom to steer the brand as I see fit and the days spent out of the office testing out some of the 3000-plus experiences we offer. At the moment, we’re making the most of having Sea World Cruises whale-watching tours on our doorstep.

And the frustrations are…

Navigating the ever-changing trends and algorithms of social media and digital advertising.

If I didn’t work in travel, I would be…

Back in India focusing all of my energy into my little Ayurvedic lifestyle brand, Monsoon Blooms.

My favourite airline is…

China Southern Airlines. A few years ago, I flew with them to Nepal with my mum and sister. I requested a vegan meal at check-in, and they managed to accommodate with a delicious full-sized meal complete with a sachet of nut butter and all. I’ll always hold them in high regard for having that available with just a couple of hours’ notice.

My proudest moment was…

Receiving an e-mail from Lonely Planet asking if I would be interested in an editorial project with them covering the island of Bali. That’s career-wise. On a personal level, nothing beats holding a tiny human you’ve just pushed out of your body. I still can’t believe that’s possible.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was…

Oh geez, hmm. I won’t tell you the story about the police and the sniffer dogs on a bus ride from Amsterdam to Berlin. And you surely don’t want to hear about the time a hostel owner in Istanbul woke me up to talk about the Mercedes I crashed into a pole. Perhaps I’ll skip this question?

I try to relax by…

Not thinking about the naughty things I’ve done in the past! Meditation, wine and salt and vinegar chips also help my zen.

The last time I feared for my life was…

During a hideously shaky flight from Madrid to Santorini. I’ve been a pretty nervous flier since having a baby three years ago, but this was a genuinely awful three hours and 40 minutes. The attendants didn’t stand once – not even to comfort the vomiters and criers.

If I can, I always try to avoid…

Meat, shopping centres and mundane situations.

I really wish I had…

A never-ending pool of first-class flights to India. Singapore Airlines, if you’re reading this, my e-mail is samantha.a.kamala@gmail.com.

The best advice I’ve ever received was…

Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. Thanks Dad!

I don’t understand why people…

Work in abattoirs.

My greatest weakness is…

Geographic restlessness (and salt and vinegar chips).

And my greatest strength is…

Multi-tasking motherhood and work.

If I won a $1 million lottery, (aside from travelling) I would…

Set up a self-sustaining community akin to Auroville in my husband’s motherland of Kerala. There are architects over there like G. Shankar doing incredible work progressing the earth home concept (check out his Siddhartha House). It’s the perfect place for this sort of project.

If I was prime minister, I would…

become far too familiar with the feeling of a panic attack.

If I could be someone else for one day, I would be…

Someone like Donald Trump or Kim Jong-un or Pauline Hanson. That way I could sift through their memories and try to understand what went pear-shaped.

I’ve always wanted to travel to…

Argentina, Bhutan and Israel.

My favourite holiday was…

A trip through Central America that started in Panama and ended in Jamaica. There is something particularly special about that part of the world.

Latest News

  • Aviation
  • Destinations

Sapporo to become Qantas’ 100th destination with arrival of new direct flights to Chitose Airport

Qantas has announced direct seasonal flights from Sydney to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport making it the only carrier to fly nonstop connection between the two destinations. Sapporo will become the airline’s 100th destination, with flights to commence just in time for the peak ski season. Services will operate three times per week from 15 December 2025 to […]

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]