Maria Jose Castro

What Jumps Out : Education For All A wonderful week accompanying Brian McGee FRSA around Medellin, and we thank the multitude of schools for their kind hospitality. Brian may have forgotten more about education than I, or most, will ever know but I think that despite our distinct backgrounds we came up with very similar conclusions. Medellin has an extremely diverse range of secondary education. Single sex, mixed, religous, secular, diverse, calendars, size, locations, philosophy - here is no one size fits all solution and parents have a wide range of options. There is a dearth of young Paisas traveling overseas either for short term immersion courses, summer schools or undergraduate studies. This is part structural, part cultural and of course in some cases economic. Children leave school too young in Colombia, this means on a regular basis 17 year olds are simply overwhelmed when faced with potentially moving to an international university. Parents are equally reluctant to release their offspring into the wild at such a tender age, with very few lifeskills. Most immersion courses for younger students have become extremely plain vanilla and schools were most receptive to Brian's more innovative seminar and conference based style. There is an enormous gap in the support network for 17-18 year olds who head overseas to University. There is an extreme shortage of understanding by agencies when it comes to their duty of care. They book their commission and then move on to the next batch of prospective students. The failure rate of Colombian students is accordingly much higher that it needs to be. I know this is just the start of the journey for Brian in Colombia but I wish him the best of luck. In just two years in Peru he has cultivated a very healthy network of schools and stude to who have now visited Oxford, London, and Bath, hopefully Colombia will follow. That will add to a raft of countries that already send their young adults to visit the UK with him. This is of course potentially a watershed moment for Colombian education as President Petro via the Education Reform aims to right the wrongs of previous Presidents and the ruling elite by making education a RIGHT for all the population as opposed to a birthright lottery. Remarkably, the 1991 Constitution did not enshrine education as a right and that has proved just another weapon with which to maintain the countries status quo of inequality. Perhaps the young girl born today in a poor village can one day dream of an education in a far off land. #education #respect #reform #medellin #travel #universities

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Un excelente brief de McKinsey: Tourism and hospitality are on a journey of disruption. Shifting source markets and destinations, growing demand for experiential and luxury travel, and innovative business strategies are all combining to dramatically alter the industry landscape. Given this momentous change, it’s important for stakeholders to consider and strategize on four major themes: The bulk of travel is close to home. Although international travel might draw headlines, stakeholders shouldn’t neglect the big opportunities in their backyards. Domestic travel still represents the bulk of travel spending, and intraregional tourism is on the rise. Consumers increasingly prioritize travel—when it’s on their own terms. Interest in travel is booming, but travelers are no longer content with a one-size-fits-all experience. Individual personalization might not always be practical, but savvy industry players can use segmentation and hypothesis-driven testing to improve their value propositions. Those that fail to articulate target customer segments and adapt their offerings accordingly risk getting left behind. The face of luxury travel is changing. Demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than any other travel segment today—particularly in Asia. It’s crucial to understand that luxury travelers don’t make up a monolith. Segmenting by age, nationality, and net worth can reveal varied and evolving preferences and behaviors. As tourism grows, destinations will need to prepare to mitigate overcrowding. Destinations need to be ready to handle the large tourist flows of tomorrow. Now is the time for stakeholders to plan, develop, and invest in mitigation strategies. Equipped with accurate assessments of carrying capacities and enhanced abilities to gather and analyze data, destinations can improve their transportation and infrastructure, build tourism-ready workforces, and preserve their natural and cultural heritages.

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Globally, 32% of all guests would abandon a beloved hotel after a single bad experience. In Latin America, this figure jumps to 49%. WOW! Interesting insights shared in this article by Joe Vargas. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eJZGNhGg #hospitality #customerexperience #hotels #latinamerica

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life is, as you know, a constant learning process. During my visit to Punta Cana, I had the privilege of meeting a phenomenal entrepreneur who builds and develops real estate and hotels. The days consisted of an intensive exchange of questions and attempts to deliver / receive answers and solutions. Intensive conversations, hands on site inspections, focus on problem solving from all sides and edges yielded an incredible amount. Feels like I went through six months of studies in 10 days "in real life".👍#hotels #entrepreneurship #hoteldevelopment #hotelmanagement

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🎅 Master the Holidays: Proven Last-Minute Strategies for Hoteliers in 2024 🎅 The holiday season is a golden opportunity for hoteliers to maximize bookings, boost guest satisfaction, and drive revenue. Whether you’re managing a boutique hotel or a vacation rental, these actionable tips will help you navigate the rush and make the most of this festive period. Here’s how to make your property stand out and thrive: 1️⃣  Create a Holiday Atmosphere, Everywhere From lobby decor to your online presence, embrace the festive spirit. Eye-catching holiday visuals can increase guest engagement both onsite and digitally. 2️⃣  Adjust Rates with Precision Monitor market trends, demand patterns, and competitor pricing. Smart, data-driven adjustments can significantly improve revenue without deterring bookings. 3️⃣  Offer Memorable Culinary Delights  Holiday-inspired food and beverage offerings leave lasting impressions. Think regional holiday dishes, seasonal cocktails, or themed dining events that make your property unforgettable. 4️⃣   Tap into Local Markets Attract nearby travellers with exclusive staycation packages. Offer perks like complimentary breakfast, parking discounts, or festive activities tailored to locals. 5️⃣  Elevate the Guest Experience with Thoughtful Details Small touches like personalized welcome notes, festive amenities, or curated holiday playlists can transform a guest’s stay into a magical memory. 🎄 Insight: Hotels that leverage personalization and technology report up to a 20% higher satisfaction rate during peak seasons. Make your hotel the destination of choice this holiday season! By combining creativity, strategy, and technology, you can turn the holiday rush into your most successful period yet. #HolidayTravel #HospitalityInnovation #RevenueGrowth #HotelTips #FestiveMarketing

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Last night at the #LaMezadeKultura event of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, I bumped into Miguel Dadivas , a classmate from my sustainability class at the Asian Institute of Management . While we’re in different programs—Miguel is in the Masters in Innovation and Business, and I’m in the Executive MBA—it reminded me of something that goes beyond academics: the power of the network we build in business school. Sure, we learn a lot about leadership, strategy, and innovation, but what really counts is the lifetime connections we form. It’s not just about textbooks or exams; it’s about collaborating with bright minds from different industries, sharing real-world experiences, and gaining insights that only come from interacting with peers. These relationships extend far beyond graduation—they become an essential part of our personal and professional journeys. In the end, it’s the people we meet along the way that shape our path, offering new perspectives and opportunities. That’s the real value of business school. #LaMezadeKultura #MegaworldHotels #RichmondeHotel #BusinessSchool #Networking #AIMEMBA #Leadership #Innovation #GlobalConnections #LifelongLearning #LifestAIM

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Just finished the course “Strategic Agility (Beta)” by Oriol Reull Domínguez! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/e5WBWEzK #management #leadership #businessstrategy #businessagility.

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🌟 Hospitality Trends to Watch in 2025: Transforming Guest Experiences 🌟 The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and 2025 is set to bring exciting trends that redefine how we connect with guests and elevate their experiences. At Moreno Hospitality Experts, we’re passionate about staying ahead of the curve. Here’s what we see shaping the future: 🔹 Personalized Experiences Through AI Artificial intelligence is taking personalization to new heights. From tailored recommendations to seamless check-ins, AI-driven services are making guests feel truly valued. 🔹 Sustainable Hospitality Practices Travelers are seeking eco-friendly options. Hotels and event spaces are stepping up with green initiatives, from renewable energy sources to reducing food waste. 🔹 Hybrid Events & Smart Spaces As remote work persists, hybrid events are thriving. Venues are embracing technology to create spaces that cater to both in-person and virtual attendees. 🔹 Health and Wellness Integration Wellness-focused amenities like meditation rooms, fitness hubs, and healthy menu options are becoming essentials in the guest experience. 🔹 Cultural Immersion and Local Experiences Guests want to connect with local culture. Authentic, immersive experiences are redefining what it means to travel. At Moreno Hospitality Experts, we’re not just adapting to these trends—we’re leading the charge, ensuring our clients are prepared to meet and exceed guest expectations. What trends do you think will shape hospitality in 2025? Let’s discuss!

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This is a great read on the power of monitoring what your guest is saying about you online and creating meaningful communication touch points with them before and after their stay. It's the small things that can often make a difference and ultimately impact the bottom line.

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Latin America and the Caribbean are home to some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. To keep up with the booming tourism industry, we need more skilled technicians and fewer hotel administrators. As a believer in this vision, I propose converting half of the universities into polytechnics that provide two years of education to prepare people for careers in the tourism industry. The new hotels being built, including all-inclusive ones, are top-notch and require more than just a smile. Good service is a must. By investing in the education of technicians, we can provide quality service to tourists and ensure the industry's sustainable growth. Let's make Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent, and the rest of the region leaders in the tourism industry. #Latinamerica #Caribbean #Tourism #TourismIndustry #polytechnics

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How do you turn a challenge into an opportunity? For HTL Hoteles in Argentina, the answer was smart technology. With four unique properties to manage, HTL faced the all-too-familiar struggle of juggling guest communication manually—leading to delays, missed connections, and limited personalization. But with Shiji ReviewPro, HTL automated nearly 20 types of guest communications, from pre-arrival messages to tailored in-stay updates and post-checkout feedback. The impact was immediate: ✅ 18.4% increase in in-stay conversions ✅ Higher OTA ratings and direct bookings ✅ Streamlined operations and improved guest satisfaction scores   What once was a challenge is now a competitive edge, with HTL redefining guest engagement at every touchpoint. To read more: https://lnkd.in/eiWXRfJm #shiji #htlhoteles #hospitalitytechnology

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Great data insight about Tourism in Latin America!

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Siendo México mi región, muy interesante dato… recibiendo casi el 50% del gasto en turismo solo impacta un 14-15%… “While receiving nearly half of all of Latin America’s total tourism expenditure, Mexico still sees the sector hover at just about 14-15% of its total economy, comparable to much smaller peers in the area.” #Hotels #Hospitality #HospitalityIndustry #Luxury

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🚨 Big News in Hospitality! 🚨 Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Grupo Piñero have officially teamed up in a 50/50 strategic joint venture to bring the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand into Hyatt’s growing all-inclusive portfolio! 🌍🏨 This deal adds 22 resorts and 12,000 rooms across top destinations like the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain to Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. It’s a win-win for both companies, with Hyatt expanding its reach and Grupo Piñero continuing to lead with its expertise in all-inclusive hospitality. With World of Hyatt members now having more options for all-inclusive stays, this partnership is a game-changer for guest experiences in key markets! What’s exciting? It highlights the industry’s shift towards asset-light models and sustainable growth through strategic collaborations. Let’s see how this joint venture reshapes the future of all-inclusive travel! ✈️✨ #HospitalityNews #Hyatt #GrupoPiñero #TravelIndustry #AllInclusive #Partnership Hyatt HYATT Hotels Hyatt Hotels Development EAME Grupo Piñero Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

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Mexican-based hospitality business, Original Group, leverages both Accelerator and TravelAds to achieve year-round results — and you can, too. Find out how to harness the power of these visibility-boosting tools to reach your property’s unique goals. https://bit.ly/4ggBBRn

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🎅 Master the Holidays: Proven Last-Minute Strategies for Hoteliers in 2024 🎅 The holiday season is a golden opportunity for hoteliers to maximize bookings, boost guest satisfaction, and drive revenue. Whether you’re managing a boutique hotel or a vacation rental, these actionable tips will help you navigate the rush and make the most of this festive period. Here’s how to make your property stand out and thrive: 1️⃣  Create a Holiday Atmosphere, Everywhere From lobby decor to your online presence, embrace the festive spirit. Eye-catching holiday visuals can increase guest engagement both onsite and digitally. 2️⃣  Adjust Rates with Precision Monitor market trends, demand patterns, and competitor pricing. Smart, data-driven adjustments can significantly improve revenue without deterring bookings. 3️⃣  Offer Memorable Culinary Delights  Holiday-inspired food and beverage offerings leave lasting impressions. Think regional holiday dishes, seasonal cocktails, or themed dining events that make your property unforgettable. 4️⃣   Tap into Local Markets Attract nearby travellers with exclusive staycation packages. Offer perks like complimentary breakfast, parking discounts, or festive activities tailored to locals. 5️⃣  Elevate the Guest Experience with Thoughtful Details Small touches like personalized welcome notes, festive amenities, or curated holiday playlists can transform a guest’s stay into a magical memory. 🎄 Insight: Hotels that leverage personalization and technology report up to a 20% higher satisfaction rate during peak seasons. Make your hotel the destination of choice this holiday season! By combining creativity, strategy, and technology, you can turn the holiday rush into your most successful period yet. #HolidayTravel #HospitalityInnovation #RevenueGrowth #HotelTips #FestiveMarketing

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The vacation rental business is exciting and challenging. In this domain, adding new properties to the portfolio is vital for growth. It’s not just about increasing the number of properties, but the focus must be on finding the right balance between supply and demand. At Casa Lontano, every property we add is carefully selected to fit our vision of luxury mixed with local charm. In high-end vacation rentals, supply often drives demand, and getting this balance right helps us consistently deliver value to our guests. What makes our properties stand out isn’t just the location, it’s the unique experience each one offers. Whether it’s a breathtaking view, a connection to the local culture, or top-tier comfort, we ensure every property caters to the unique preferences of our clients. Having a clear USP is essential, and it’s something we hold close at Casa Lontano. When working with property owners, we make sure they understand the importance of our focus on quality and exclusivity. By delivering outstanding guest experiences, we don’t just expand our portfolio, we maintain the demand to match. Striking that balance is what helps us stay ahead in such a competitive market. #VacationRentals #CasaLontano #DigitalNomadism #PropTech #LawLife

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