Rocco Bova, an international hotel consultant, presents the Mexican Hospitality Summit in Mérida and positions Mexico as a global benchmark

Hospitality as Passion and Purpose

For Rocco Bova, hospitality goes far beyond a profession. It's a passion built over more than 30 years of international career. The consultant recalls that he started as a waiter in his hometown and, since then, has lived in 11 countries, accumulating experiences in different cultures, languages, and luxury hotel brands.

“After more than 30 years in the industry, I can confirm that hospitality is my passion,” says Bova, highlighting that even after crises and transformations in the sector, his love for the profession remains the same. Today, based in Mexico, he dedicates himself to supporting owners and developers in improving results, repositioning brands, and creating new hotel concepts.

Hospitality Beyond Borders

Throughout his career, Rocco Bova has worked in regions such as Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Despite cultural, religious, and linguistic differences, he argues that the essence of hospitality is universal.

According to the consultant, the key to success lies in leadership. “A leader who can earn the trust of their team can achieve business success anywhere,” explains Bova. He emphasizes that guests, regardless of their destination, seek personalized service, genuine attention, comfort, fine cuisine, and experiences aligned with their expectations. For him, human qualities can even raise the service standard of lower-category hotels. Mérida as

the venue for the Mexican Hospitality Summit

The choice of Mérida, in the state of Yucatán, to host the Mexican Hospitality Summit has personal and professional roots. It was in this region that Rocco Bova led the opening of Chablé Yucatán, a hotel that quickly positioned itself among the best in the world.

“Mérida and the Yucatec people welcomed me with open arms,” recalls the consultant, who affirms that he maintains a close relationship with the destination to this day. After leaving the project, he decided to become an entrepreneur and founded his own consulting firm, working on more than 100 projects in the last five years, with a special focus on independent boutique hotels.

Along the way, he noticed the absence of an event focused on the education and professional development of hospitality professionals, which gave rise to the Summit. Mérida was chosen for its history, cultural richness, and the rapid growth of its hotel sector.

The strengthening of the Mexican hotel industry:

For Rocco Bova, Mexico has consolidated itself as a powerhouse in the hospitality industry thanks to a combination of strategic factors. Its geographic location, infrastructure, natural and cultural beauty, and the diversity of accommodation options all contribute directly to this scenario.

He also highlights the country's relevance in the commercial and industrial context of the Americas, as well as the quality of its human capital. Even after changes in tourism promotion policy, the destination continued to strengthen. "This confirms Mexico's strength," assesses the consultant.

A Summit with high-level content

The Mexican Hospitality Summit takes place on May 27th and 28th, with an expanded program. This edition will feature two days of conferences, more than 50 speakers and panelists, and is expected to receive around 300 participants.

The program begins with a special reception on May 26th, bringing together speakers, press, and guests. The conferences will take place at the Hotel Fiesta Americana, of the Posadas Group, the host of the meeting. Among the topics covered are architecture and design, brand creation, well-being, integration into international hotel consortia, education in the sector, and marketing strategies. For Bova, the content resembles an intensive executive training program.

Expansion and Consolidation of the Summit:

The proposal is to consolidate the Mexican Hospitality Summit in the country and subsequently take it to other regions. Rocco Bova believes the format can be replicated in destinations such as Cancún, Los Cabos, Punta Mita, and Mexico City.

There are also plans for international expansion to other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the consultant, there is still a lack of events with qualified content in Spanish, essential for preparing and training industry professionals. He emphasizes the importance of support from strategic partners, sponsors, media, and the hotel community for the project's continuity.

Reporting: Mary de Aquino.