With years of experience in travel and technology space and always ready to learn to take up new challenges. Meet the charming Valerio Coco, Business Development Manager at Su.
Tell us about your career in hospitality/ technology and the journey to Su
My exciting journey in the hospitality industry started with a 4-star hotel in Trastevere, Rome.
I had the opportunity to work in a few hotels, such as H10 in Rome and The Ritz-Carlton in Barcelona. These experiences provided me with valuable insights into the hospitality industry. Additionally, I had the privilege of working closely with hotels worldwide, including fascinating collaborations with Cuba for example, during my time at Grupo Hotusa, a major company here in Spain.
After more than two years, I was offered an opportunity by Despegar.com, the largest online travel agency in Latin America, to expand into the Italian market. Italy is where I was born and raised until the age of 19. My job was to establish a presence in Italy from Madrid, the city where I have been living since 2013. I was responsible for acquiring customers and establishing partnerships with hotels in major tourist destinations across the country.
Part of Despegar.com was absorbed by Expedia, and so did I. With this opportunity, I spent a few wonderful years with the company which developed me the most, I did a lot of travelling across North of Spain (very green, peaceful place with some real good fish) & visited lots of hotels/rural houses.
As technology grew faster, I picked up the phone and spent more than 4 years working for hardware & software companies (Hong Kong & German-based entities) for Hotels, Tours & Activities in Spain, Portugal & Italy.
I was eager to expand my knowledge about technology and explore markets beyond the ones where I already had the expertise and felt comfortable, primarily in Spain and Italy. I sought an opportunity to engage in less aggressive but more complex negotiations with customers. I was looking to work for a company where I would be recognized as a person – Valerio, rather than just a number.
I wanted to enter into a pure B2B Enterprise with harder negotiations and challenges, and that’s when I came across Su.
What do you like most about Su and your job?
What I like most about Su is that, Su is a young start-up, at a growing phase, build with international & highly talented professionals from different parts of the world, where from the very first day I’ve been made a participant in lots of things/activities happening around.
I truly enjoy helping/assessing people & Su technology has been helping PMS Providers, CRS and Vacation Rentals.
Your success mantra?
Never give up!
Well, there are moments when you have to accept a ‘No’ from a client but I believe not before getting the chance to explain what you do & what you have to offer.
Your interests outside Su. Do they help you do your job better?
I love sports (gym + spinning), reading & listening to news, economy/finance & politic.
I’m a founder member of a non-profit association in my hometown, Catania, in Sicily, of Community Development and Urban Planning.
I love travelling & experiencing new cultures, places and food.
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Connect with Valerio at valerio@suissu.com
