If you are really passionate about the hospitality industry, it'll naturally come to you, Celestè tells us. In this article, she shares her career journey.

Celestè is a Sales Executive at a luxurious hotel in Cape Town. She gave us a sneak peek into her job, so we could get more insights into her career in the hospitality industry.

Celestè tells an interesting story of her journey into the hospitality industry. “Initially, my mother introduced me to the industry,” she says.  Celestè says she was 17 years old at the time, and she decided to start offering babysitting services at the hotel where her mom was working.  “I remember meeting a couple one evening whose children I had to look after. The mum told me something that stuck in my head.”

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The woman had told Celestè that when she was younger, she used to babysit, and now, she has the opportunity to travel with her children. Although Celestè says she was too shy at the time to ask the woman any more questions, she was sure that the lady was implying that she too could be in the same position as she was. “A little over two years later, I had the opportunity to apply for a position at a five star property as a telephonist. I was delighted that after 4 interviews I managed to secure the job. The rest is history”

Hotel sales executives are responsible for the hotel sales and marketing. They sell the hotel guest experience to the guest without the hotel guest having experienced it yet. They need to approach new customers with the aim of winning new business – a responsibility which Celestè says she loves most about her job. “I love the thrill of confirming a big deal for the hotel, she says, adding that, “nothing feels better than seeing hard work, perseverance and consistency pay off.” To be successful sales executives must maintain good relationships with existing clients, and gain repeat business wherever possible. "We need to ensure that we cultivate brand loyalty amongst our clients," she adds. 

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Celestè maintains that passion for the hospitality industry is a key attribute for anyone who aspires to a career like hers.  “I have had to work shifts which often meant missing out on family events or just enjoying down time on the weekend. Sales generally don’t work shifts but our job is hard enough despite the perception from other departments,” she says.

More than that, “you need to drive room revenue when the demand for it is low,” Celestè says. “You have to know your product, know your competition, understand your clients. Be transparent and don’t fake it. Most importantly, Celestè warns against complacency. “Keep growing as an individual. Hospitality is an amazing industry that offers so much potential.

“If you are really passionate Hospitality, the industry will come naturally to you.” 

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