"Change is my source of vital energy, and this job allows me to deal with situations which are constantly transforming and changing." Interview with Melita Missaglia Marriott International Spain

3 min reading time

Published on 25/01/22 - Updated on 17/03/22

In our Hospitality ON issue (No 308-309), we interviewed professionnals of the hospitality industry around the world. We present here Melita Missaglia's point of view and thoughts on her job, Cluster Director of Revenue Strategy, Marriott International Spain.

Could you tell us about yourself and your background?

I was born in Venice, where my family still runs a pastry shop.

I studied foreign languages at High School and then got a degree in Japanese language and literature, from the University of Venice.

When in 2004 a job opportunity as a Reservation Agent in a local property affiliated to Marriott came, I accepted considering it as an option C I would not have stayed very long in.

Despite that, one year later my temporary contract changed to permanent, and I moved into the Group and Events team.

When a new Courtyard hotel opened near Venice Airport In 2006, I was hired as Operations Manager, but became gradually in charge of Revenue and Reservations Department.

My interest in the Revenue discipline grew, and then in 2010 I moved to the Marriott Revenue Cluster team in Paris, where 12 different properties in the city were managed. Then Option turned from a C to a big A, as that represented an enriching turning point in both my career and personal life.
Since the end of 2016 I have been living in Spain, where I am currently working as a Director of Revenue Strategy for the Renaissance Barcelona and Le Méridien Ra in the Costa Daurada.

Why did you choose this specific career?

Because change is my source of vital energy, and this job allows me to deal with situations which are constantly transforming and changing. Knowing that my interaction with these dynamic factors is crucial to the success of a property is a big motivational catalyst for someone like me. Risk and intuition are also part of the game.

What exactly are you doing daily?

There are standard daily routine tasks related to demand analysis and system output checks to ensure that a good strategy is in place for the hotels for each day and in the future. However, our core - and fun - activities really depend on ongoing projects, forecasting, preparation, budgeting deadlines or scheduled meetings with colleagues at the hotels and in the wider company.

What skills/human qualities are necessary for this position?

A key skill in this role is not taking anything for granted - paying attention to details is definitely critical, as is the ability to not get lost in data and forget about the big picture.

Perseverance in not allowing challenges (both external and coming from oneself) to create frustration is also an essential attitude to have. This requires some balance between self-confidence and humility.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of your work?

One advantage is that most of the time good planning allows me to work effectively and meet my deadlines without feeling overwhelmed. Another advantage is the respect for the Revenue discipline that other departments show in this company.

On the other hand, timely delivery and accountability can generate high expectations from others when it comes to meeting targets and providing exact forecasts or recommendations. This can be stressful especially during uncertain times such as currently, when it is difficult to predict what the market will be doing and how external factors will impact our business.

A last word for people interested in your job?

I would say: always be prepared, transparent and aim for continuous improvement.

For further

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