For almost five years, Maria Perez has been a vital member of the Hotel-Spider team, serving as both an onboarding specialist and account manager. Leveraging her extensive expertise, she provides valuable support to hotels in the implementation of our technology.
She facilitates the integration of booking platforms and effectively addresses any technical issues that may arise in daily operations. But there is so much more to learn about Maria. It unfolds as a captivating journey that navigates between two cultures, embraces a variety of careers, and reflects her profound passion for hospitality.
Navigating life between two cultures
Maria's parents immigrated to Germany in the 1970s, however, her mother returned to Spain for her birth. Shortly thereafter, when Maria was just a few months old, her family returned to Germany and settled in Marbach am Neckar. In this city of Baden-Württemberg, Maria enjoyed her childhood and continued to thrive there until she completed high school.
After finishing school, Maria's parents decided to return to Spain, and she moved with them to Andalusia. There, she continued her studies and enrolled in the University of Seville, where she pursued a degree in tourism. “It was an exciting time that taught me how to navigate between two cultures”, says Maria.
Growing up between different cultures has profoundly shaped her personality, and her multilingualism has emerged as one of her greatest strengths. She is fluent in German, Spanish, and English—a skill that has proven invaluable throughout her professional career. “Mastering multiple languages has enabled me to work in various countries and collaborate with international clients," she explains.
Family, sports, and a love for adventure
In her leisure time, Maria enjoys spending time with her two sports-loving children. Her son has a passion for water sports, while her daughter enjoys horseback riding. "We go on a lot of outings, including hiking," Maria shares. The family lives near the Costa del Sol, a region renowned for its natural beauty and mild climate.
Maria also enjoys listening to music and reading, but her greatest passion is traveling. Together with her family, she has embarked on many exciting adventures, including a three-week campervan tour across Australia. "Last year, we decided to fly to Australia and make our dream come true. We rented a campervan and traveled across Australia for three weeks," she recalls. Another adventure took the family to Japan, where they traveled 3,500 kilometers and explored the rich culture and nature of the country. "It was incredible to experience the fascinating culture and breathtaking nature there," Maria says.
From housekeeping to management: Starting a career in hospitality
Maria knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in tourism. "As a child, I wanted to be a flight attendant," she recalls with a smile. "I was fascinated by airplanes, and the idea of traveling to many countries excited me," she says. However, over time, especially after getting her first glimpses into hotel operations, her plans began to change. This fascination with the travel industry led her to study tourism at the University of Seville.
Her first professional experience was in London, where she worked in housekeeping at a five-star hotel. "It was an intense but highly educational experience. I learned the fundamentals of the hospitality industry and how to deliver exceptional service.”
Upon her return to Spain, Maria worked at a hotel reception, where she gained valuable experience in guest services. From there, she transitioned to the sales and marketing department, where she gained deeper insights into hotel management.
Events and increased responsibility: Success in sales and marketing
Maria's career in sales and marketing progressed rapidly, and she soon assumed responsibility for major events and large group bookings. "The market launch of the Audi A2 was a particular highlight," she proudly recalls. "The event was huge. We had very large groups, and it was thrilling to be involved from the planning stages all the way through to execution."
However, that wasn't the only significant event in her career. Maria was also responsible for several other prestigious events, including presentations for Bulgari and exclusive golf tournaments. "Organizing these events was challenging, but I always enjoyed meticulously planning every detail and ensuring that everything ran smoothly," she recalls. These experiences in event management and collaborating with international guests were crucial milestones in her professional development.
Technology as a new challenge: Stepping into the digital realm
After many years in the hospitality industry, Maria decided to transition to the technology sector. "The work in the hotel was very intense, and I wanted a new challenge that would offer a somewhat calmer environment," she explains. She found this new direction with a technology provider for hotels, where she worked for over 13 years in CRS and channel management. "I came to this company more or less by chance," she adds, "but I immediately felt at home."
During this time, Maria also earned a master's degree in Revenue Management from the prestigious Cornell University. However, transitioning to the technology sector required some adjustments: "I missed the direct contact with guests," she admits. Over time, though, she adapted to the new way of working and discovered her passion for the technical aspects of hotel management. "It was fascinating to see how technology can make hotel operations more efficient," she says.
Unforgettable customer experiences
Throughout her career, Maria has gained a wealth of positive experiences with clients. For instance, once she received a Sacher cake from Vienna as a token of appreciation. She has also received invitations to various hotels, including a trip to Egypt, where she was able to learn about local hotel operations. "It is always a pleasure to meet our customers in person and experience their world firsthand," she adds.
One memorable experience stands out. A client from Prague once called Maria because she was unable to log in. As she spelled out the username, the letters sounded so similar that Maria became increasingly unsure about which sound matched which letter, and she thought the login might never work. In the end, they were of course able to resolve the issue.
Current Role: Technical support and personalized client relationships
In her current role at Hotel-Spider, Maria helps hotels optimize their online presence. She is responsible for integrating booking platforms and GDS systems, as well as providing technical support. "I enjoy working with hotels and helping them solve problems," she says. "It's wonderful to see how our solutions can improve hotels’ day-to-day operations."
Building personal relationships with customers is especially important to Maria. "For me, direct contact with our customers is key. I want them to feel well taken care of and to know that we are always here for them," she explains.
Looking ahead: Achieving new successes together with Maria Perez
We take pride in having Maria as a part of our team. She brings a valuable combination of hospitality experience and technological expertise to the Hotel-Spider team. Her adaptability, passion for the industry, and ability to forge strong relationships with our clients make her an important asset. "I look forward to continuing to work with our customers and supporting them on their journey," says Maria. We look forward to many more successful years with her.
