At IBB Hotel Collection, our people are the heartbeat of our success. Their journeys, experiences, and passion are woven into the very fabric of the hotels they manage, creating a tapestry of excellence and unique guest experiences. One such individual is Maria Sanchez, whose remarkable career and love for travel have shaped her into a dynamic leader in hospitality.
Maria’s story begins with her love for travel and hotels, a passion that led her to pursue tourism studies at the University of Murcia. It was during this time that she first immersed herself in the world of hotel management, starting with her initial experiences at Hotel AC Murcia. Her journey then took her to Germany, where she completed her final year of studies in the scenic region of Bavaria, at Fachhochschule Kempten. Reflecting on her time there, Maria credits this chapter with not only improving her German but also opening doors she never imagined; opportunities that have stayed with her to this day.
Driven by a desire to explore new places and accumulate diverse experiences, Maria soon ventured to Gran Canaria, working with leading hospitality brands such as Lopesan, Radisson, and TUI Nordotel. It was during this period that she learned the invaluable lesson that success is achieved through determination, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to one’s goals.
Even while advancing in her career, Maria never stopped learning. She pursued an MBA in Hotel Management from CFE Business School, followed by further studies in Revenue Management at the University of La Rioja (UNIR). Her quest for knowledge also led her into the digital realm, earning a Master’s in Digital Marketing and Web Analytics from Inesdi Business Techschool.
After spending eight transformative years in Gran Canaria, Maria made the move to Hamburg, where she has continued to excel in the field of hotel revenue management. Throughout her career, she has analyzed and managed hotels across Portugal, Sardinia, Spain, and Germany. Working with people from different cultures and backgrounds has taught her the art of team management, an essential skill for someone as passionate about the hospitality industry as Maria.
In November 2022, Maria joined IBB Hotel Collection as a Cluster Revenue Manager for Germany, where she currently manages several hotels across the country. Her role involves thorough analysis of each hotel’s clientele and guiding strategic decision-making to ensure the hotels achieve their objectives while maintaining a forward-looking approach. Her expertise in revenue management ensures that each hotel maximizes its potential, while always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Maria is particularly drawn to IBB Hotel Collection’s philosophy of creating an inclusive and motivating work environment. The company’s approach isn’t just about completing tasks or adhering to rigid schedules. At IBB Hotel Collection, employees are encouraged to work collaboratively towards common goals, support each other, learn from mistakes, and celebrate achievements together. This fosters a strong sense of purpose and motivation among the team, which is something Maria deeply values.
Another aspect of IBB Hotel Collection that Maria appreciates is the company’s focus on employee well-being. Striking a balance between work and personal life is a priority, and for Maria, this quality of life is one of the most rewarding aspects of working with IBB Hotel Collection.
Looking ahead, Maria sees great things for IBB Hotel Collection. She envisions the company expanding its portfolio with new accommodations, each with its own unique identity and attention to detail, offering unforgettable experiences that will leave guests eager to return. She also sees the team continuing to pursue excellence in service, constantly evolving both individually and as a collective.
Despite the challenges that come with her role, Maria approaches them with the same dedication that has propelled her career thus far. One of the biggest challenges she faces is communication – ensuring that team members understand why certain decisions are made, even when they may not align with everyone’s desires. Maria’s job involves not only analyzing hotel data but also explaining why certain revenue trends occur and why particular strategies are implemented to guide the hotels toward their goals.
Maria has also witnessed significant changes in the hospitality industry over the years. Gone are the days when travellers planned trips far in advance, with hotel stays being a default choice. Today, with cheaper flights and improved transportation options, people travel more frequently and often with shorter notice. After the pandemic, the focus has shifted toward creating unique and memorable experiences for guests, and hotels now play a crucial role in defining the overall travel experience. At IBB Hotel Collection, this is a core part of the service philosophy.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys a lifestyle that is quite different from the bustling cities where the hotels she manages are located. Working remotely allows her to live in the tranquil countryside of Murcia, Spain, surrounded by nature and her beloved horses. Daily exercise and horse riding, particularly high school and dressage, are integral parts of her routine. For Maria, riding is more than a sport – it’s an activity that fosters patience, responsibility, and discipline, qualities she brings to her work at IBB Hotel Collection.
Maria’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and balance. At IBB Hotel Collection, we are proud to have individuals like her, whose dedication to their craft and commitment to living a fulfilling life shape not only their careers but also the experiences they help create for our guests. The people of IBB Hotel Collection are what make this company truly special, and Maria Sanchez is a shining example of that.