URŠA RADANOVIĆ, MSc, Executive Director
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana


Q: Have you always wanted to work in the meeting industry?
Yes, as having a Bachelor and Master’s degree in hospitality management my first step into the hospitality business started with the hotel where I have been gaining valuable experience for the last 13 years. To be successful in the hospitality business you do have to be in with the whole hard slog and you can’t just step out from this path – it’s been like addicted to this industry J. As the inside of the hotel business is very much interlinked, I was also involved with the MICE segment from the beginning.

Q: Why is Ljubljana/Slovenia the best in the world?
Based on the overall situation around the world, we have to point out a high level of safety in our country. Another point that we should highlight is definitely that it is a green destination. The most amazing thing is the size and nature of Slovenia: you can ski in Alps in the morning and swim in the Adriatic sea in the afternoon. We should also not forget about our position on the map, being centrally located in Europe.

Q: What would be the first thing you would show every visitor to your country?
Slovenia is well known by its pearls of Bled, the Postojna Cave and Piran, which definitely cannot be left off a visitor tour. However, Slovenia has so many other attractive, lesser known destinations too, for example the Logarska Valley, Štanjel and Goriška Brda, which should be also a must-see, especially for the visitor who has visited Slovenia previously.

Q: What has been your star moment so far and your favourite project with which you would praise yourself?
To be part of the pre-opening team in one of the largest hotels in Ljubljana is without a doubt one of my preferred and most experienced projects so far in my profession.

To have directed and coordinated the rebranding from Plaza Hotel Ljubljana to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana is certainly another of the key assignments in my career.

Q: What motivates you the most at work?
To have successfully established and managed one of the most beautiful hotels in Ljubljana is certainly a story which I can be very proud of. For complete guest satisfaction it is necessary to combine many factors, which means that the work of each individual is of great significance. Most of my working time I spend with my team – from sales managers, receptionists, cooks and waiters right through to the chambermaids, because this is the only way to assure one of the best hotel services in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Many positive comments by guests, which just brought us to being the number one hotel by Travelchoice on Tripadviser, and a growing numbers of guests who are returning to us are just the signs that I’m on the right track with my team.

Q: In what way do you deal with stress?
To cope with long working hours, golf is giving me motivation and energy and is my best “battery charger”. That is way I like to spend my free time during the weekend and even on holidays on a golf course. I also like to occupy myself by playing tennis, swimming and skiing.

Q: What will be new in your business in 2016?
In December 2015 we joined the Rezidor group as Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana. In February we established a new, stylish “Super Breakfast”.

In the next couple of months our plan is to launch the ‘Experience Meetings’ concept, which offers all the ingredients for successful meetings, including our award-winning catering concept Brain Food, which offers optimum nutrition for maximum focus, lower stress levels and truly productive participation. For all those who like their food a bit more “naughty,” we will be introducing four exciting new Food Trends to bring the latest food and drink fashions to events, from the latest veggie trends or interpretations of Grandma’s classics to stimulating food for your soul and hip street food creations.

Q: Where will you spend this year’s holiday and why?
Due to the nature of our business I’m taking my main vacation during the winter – golf destinations in warmer climes are just perfect solutions for active holidays and recharging my batteries. This summer I would like to have a little bit of a different vacation, so I’m planning to go to Uganda and experience the different culture and nature of Africa. Of course, jumping on the nearby golf course during the extended weekend is something I just can’t resist.

Q: If there were no time or financial constraints, where would you go?
I would travel through South America and experience their culture and especially enjoy the countryside.

Q: What would be the title of your life autobiography?Committed to excellence.

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