Raising awareness

My passion for hotels began as a kid, when I spent my summers at my grandparents’ place in Cancun, because even if it was an apartment in a condo building, it operated like a hotel. I remember that my brother and I used to go to the “back of the house”, an area usually reserved for employees, but we liked to go in anyway. We were attracted by the laundry facilities, kitchens, maintenance, the security area, etc., and we could spend hours there just talking with everyone. That is how my brother and I became friends with the entire team at the condo and, little by little, those people became part of our family. 

These experiences developed my passion about hotels. This passion grew so much that I dedicated my studies and my career since to the hotel industry. My first job was the opening of the CONDESA df, a small hotel located in Mexico City’s Colonia Condesa, which merges contemporary design within a 1928 French neoclassical building. The opening and the experience of working at this hotel were unique, a big part of this uniqueness was due to the amazing team we had, from the chefs, to the manager, and other employees. Again, thanks to the friendly working environment we created, I found a real family in my colleagues, which allowed us to align on our mission to make all our guests feel distinct and special.

During the past decade working in the hotel industry, I have realized that it is essential to promote national tourism wherever you are. This is even more important in today’s environment, given the tourism industry that greatly supports the country’s economy and culture; however, the development of tourism must be done consciously and responsibly. Tourism, and especially hotels, are largely supported by an “invisible part”, one that we never (or almost never) see, and which, despite everything, is the one that makes it all possible. That invisible part is the one that ensures your room is clean every day, that your towels and sheets are crisp and folded, and any other basic service.

Since the relationships I formed with the team at my grandparents’ building to my own career beginnings working in the back of house in Mexico, I learned to appreciate, but mostly, to respect the often hidden part of each hotel business. They are the ones working hard to make everything seamless and make you feel care for as a guest and it is important to take them out of the shadows and make them visible. As a guest, one can support by consciously acknowledging everyone who made your experience possible - from the travel agent with whom we make an appointment, the person that gently helps us with our luggage, to the taxi driver who takes us from our arrival point to the hotel and back. As we can see, the hotel industry is a great source of employment and there are many of us involved in it, even if you do not work in the industry. 

Therefore, let’s raise awareness among our acquaintances and among ourselves about being actively supportive of the people around us as we consider our next vacation. In this regard, it is particularly important to care about their health. The jobs and livelihood of many were impacted due to the health crisis we are facing and others are back at work exposing themselves with the conviction to create lasting memories for every guest they interact with. It is ok to take time off and travel, but it is more important than ever to do so responsibly.  Let’s support our country, our domestic hotels and our fellow Mexicans by educating ourselves and respecting each company’s guidelines on how to keep your families and theirs safe. And as you go on your next adventure, remember that my mask protects you just as much as your mask protects me.