Hospitality Sales for boutique hotels and experiences in Italy

Insieme was created to connect travel advisors to a select, few remarkable Italian hotels and experiences and strengthen the sales strategies of these hidden gems. These hotels (and experiences) I have chosen because I believe in each; the authenticity, the owners, management and team, the personalized service and in guests feeling (even if just for a holiday) a part of Italian culture, while creating memories and favorite places to return to.

My first visit to Italy was in 1998 as a study abroad college student and at a young age I fell in love with the language, culture, people and the way of life. I still remember noticing the scents of cappuccino’s in the morning air and the ringing of church bells, the children playing with the grandparents in parks and the first fritti di mare by the clear, blue Italian sea. Those feelings of wonder haven’t ever escaped me and I feel gratitude for the life I live and want to continue to share my experiences.

I started my hospitality career at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel where I learned the back of the house of a large luxury hotel, and the best practices of The Ritz-Carlton company, renowned worldwide. I moved into Public Relations and then into Sales. I worked as a Manager in Weddings, (Sales, Services and Coordination) for The Surf and Sand Resort where on an average weekend I directed 3 weddings and learned everything about ceremonies, receptions and what to say to a nervous bride walking down the aisle! I was selected to be the opening Travel Industry Sales Manager for the flagship Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in 2005. In this experience, I met and spent time with the owners and managers of the luxury travel industry and built friendships for life. I continued to take care of their clients, and strengthen those relationships at this resort for the next 2 years before moving to the Bahamas. For the Abaco Club (also a Ritz-Carlton) I continued selling both properties and traveling extensively to target markets to continue the growth for both resorts.

In 2008 I moved back to Italy with our first young daughter. During this time I facilitated projects for The Ritz-Carlton Corporate office to assist with QSP (Quality Selection Process) and secret shopping of the hotels procedures for Sales, while learning Italian and living in Firenze. In 2010 we welcomed twin daughters and moved back to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. I began working for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas as a Senior Leisure Sales Manager and traveling again to target markets, handling FAM’s, participating in trade shows and building relationships with the luxury travel advisor community.

In 2013 we moved to Kauai, Hawaii and I took on a role at their school to help the school grow business while learning the Hawaiian culture and community. In 2015 we returned to Italy (to stay) and raise our daughters. We have been living in Firenze since, and I began working for the Ferragamo Estate of Il Borro, Toscana, Relais and Chateaux. During my time at Il Borro, overseeing the US territory, this market doubled for the resort. I planned and executed numerous FAM’s, site visits, handled VIP’s, helped the property grow and expand infinitely. I adored my time at Il Borro, working with The Ferragamo’s and being part of the team.

I love working together with travel advisors and I find true fulfillment in supporting the travel advisor community and boosting the exposure and advisor confidence for hotels with character that share in telling the story of the life and the culture of Italy.

Insieme was created to provide sales support to Italian hotels and experiences. Should you have questions or would like to request a sales kit and CV, please contact me.