“I’m at home in any role in the hospitality business.”
Coffee making isn’t really Katie Calvey’s strong point. Thankfully, that isn’t a hiring criterion (officially anyway!) at STAAH. Hospitality, on the other hand, is a business she understands well and that’s exactly why we have her on board.
Katie is among the new members who have joined STAAH’s growing network of employees worldwide. Based in London, Katie is responsible for helping clients around the UK and Europe region drive their online distribution. She is charged with helping properties and serviced apartments understand the mechanics of online selling and leveraging the STAAH platform to get more guests.
We caught up with her on her journey to STAAH.
Tell Us About Your Career in Hospitality – The Journey to Online Business Manager for STAAH.
Travel and hospitality ran in my family actually. My mother managed a hotel and I started my career in travel from there. In the time I was there, I took onboard most of the roles at the hotel! Reception, waitress and chief bedmaker … the hotel was my oyster of learning about the hospitality industry, its workings, quirks, and attractions.
The hotel Katie’s mum managed. The Bridge in Cambridgeshire.
From there I went to work at a tour operator and specialised in trips to Asia. I worked there for nearly a decade with the highlights of the job being the associated travel – I spent several enjoyable years visiting fabulous hotels and destinations. Next on the cards was Booking.com where I worked as an account manager.
What Do You Love Most About STAAH?
Helping properties boost their sales and revenue can be quite a heady experience and I love it! Coming from a hospitality background and being passionate about its workings, this role is perfect. I love meeting new people and spending time with old mates – hospitality is an industry that makes this possible.
What Is Your Hospitality Success Mantra?
Always go the extra mile to help someone, wherever you can. Remember, you only get back what you put in.
Some Funny Moments for You in This Industry…
The time I checked into my hotel room while on a business trip, only to discover there was no bed…. literally an empty room. Luckily, they upgraded me to a suite for the inconvenience.
Tell Us a Bit About Life Outside STAAH for You.
I am a mum to a two-year-old little girl Darcie which pretty much takes up all my free time (in a good way).
Connect with Katie here.