From Career Changer to Hotel Director

Bettina Pereira Silva is shaking up the hotel industry in Switzerland – and that, despite being a trained retail saleswoman. In an interview, she not only tells us about her impressive career but also about the new ShareLiving concept.

“I am a total career changer. Originally, I trained as a retail saleswoman. Since I used to visit Switzerland often as a child, I was interested in working and living there. However, in Switzerland, you can only work permanently if you have a work permit, which at that time was only valid for the employer’s business. The conditions were: work for nine months, leave the country for three months. For five years. As a retail saleswoman, this is difficult to manage. But in the hospitality industry, it’s possible!”

And so Bettina’s professional journey into the hotel industry began. After several years in the hospitality industry and various restaurants, she and her husband opened a restaurant with a bar in Spain. Her next milestone was at the Mövenpick Hotel Airport, where she worked as the early shift service manager. Within a few years, she earned a position as Front Office Manager. In addition, Bettina completed a degree in business economics.

“After nine years at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, I became Sales Manager at NH Zurich Airport. I didn’t hesitate long at this offer. It was the chance to get closer to my dream of running a hotel. And that’s exactly what I did. I became the director of NH Zurich Airport.”

“That was the chance to get closer to my dream of running a hotel. And that’s exactly what I did.”

Today, the seasoned hospitality expert works in sales and marketing for Welcome Hotels. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the hotel has offered a concept called Welcome-ShareLiving. Bettina explains:

“ShareLiving is a trendy and comfortable way of living that adapts to the needs of a modern society in an urban environment. Sharing living space with other temporary roommates is the popular form of contemporary co-living. Our clients vary greatly both professionally and personally: tradespeople, service employees, expats, students, middle and upper management, and homemakers. These guests appreciate the privacy of their own rooms, but also the opportunity to spend time in communal spaces like the kitchen or living room and to socialize. Each guest has their own kitchen and refrigerator compartment. Some guests even engage in activities together!”

According to Bettina, the advantage of Welcome Hotels is that they have been dealing with digitalization and new tools for several years. This meant they were well-positioned during the pandemic. Bettina and her team are always looking for new technologies and are open to trying new things. "It's important to bring employees along on the path of digitalization. It must be clear that they are not being replaced but rather relieved," Bettina adds.

"It's important to bring employees along on the path of digitalization. It must be clear that they are not being replaced but rather relieved."

Bettina first came across DialogShift's offer at a Hotelleriesuisse event in Zurich. Among the three startup pitches, our Olga apparently stood out: "With her friendly and convincing manner, she managed to get us to take a closer look at the DialogShift chatbot. Two weeks later, our collaboration began." Bettina believes: "It makes a big difference when a startup has a personal brand that can excite people about the product." We feel the same way! When we asked Bettina what she liked about the chatbot, she said that the chatbot and the support speak for themselves. She loves that the chatbot is constantly evolving. With a wink, she admits that hotel guests always manage to come up with new questions that the chatbot isn't yet prepared for. "Every time you think, 'Now our chatbot is up-to-date!' and then another new, unpredictable question comes along," she laughs.

Looking back on her career, Bettina is more than satisfied. She has achieved everything she wanted to achieve. "I was the hotel director of a five-star establishment, I have established myself in sales and marketing. I leave the elbow mentality to the younger generation today. I enjoy my tasks and am happy to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation. I want to give myself more time, meaning a work-life balance. That's all I want."

For those who think this sounds like resting on her laurels, think again! Bettina is also working on a passion project: "I am the president of the Frauen im Tourismus e.V. here in Switzerland, and it is simply fun. Bringing people together, networking, and making a difference together. We just had an event in October and I am already planning the next one. Supporting other women in their careers makes me happy. Men are warmly invited to join. It can only be done together." A woman of her word!

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Dear Bettina, thank you for your valuable time and the inspiring conversation. ❤️

About Welcome Hotels:

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Welcome Hotels, a Swiss family business founded in 1974, currently includes two three- and four-star hotels, two business apartment hotels, and Welcome-ShareLiving Rooms at Zurich Airport in Kloten and Glattbrugg. The Welcome Hotels brand encompasses Swiss Urban Style Hotels, Budget Style Hotels, and Welcome Homes.

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