Ovation Spain DMC had the pleasure to meet Julio Montes, Sales Director of RIU Plaza España, an experience that will allow him to position the hotel on the national and international MICE map.
“The most challenging about the MICE industry is to deliver in every moment what is expected.”
In charge of the Sales Department, The RIU Plaza de Espana is a new hotel in one of the most emblematic buildings of Madrid, with 585 bedrooms, a unique convention center, a 360º view Sky bar and a 360º view Roof Terrace. RIU Plaza de España is in the heart of Madrid and will be the Hotel to stay for business, leisure or meetings.
Hi Julio, welcome to the O Interview. Here we go!
What is your professional background?
I have been in the hotel industry for the last 27 years, working in Spain and abroad with hotel chains as Marriott, Melia and RIU. Being Director of Sales since 2001 of course after experiencing all the departments before reception, reservation and F&B department.
How did you get into the business you’re in today?
Well, I have always admired the building (Plaza España Building). When it was closed, I always thought that should it be a hotel.
One day, in January of 2018, I received a call and RIU was interested in my professional profile to open the RIU PLAZA ESPAÑA. It was a hard decisión as I was in a very good point in my career but the possibility of being part of this amazing Project won and here I am. I’m really happy with the decision I have made.
Plaza de España, Madrid
What is the best thing about working for RIU?
RIU is a family chain that has grown with their principles and reaches with hard work an excellent product worldwide, with more than 100 hotels with RIU PLAZA and RIU RESORTS. A Company that keeps its values and transmit them to the teams.
When will the Riu Plaza Hotel be inaugurated? Can you tell us a little bit more about the new RIU Plaza España Hotel?
And amazing Project that will bring to the heart of Madrid a unique product being the biggest in bedrooms (585) with a convention center for up to 1400 persons, two rooftops and a Sky bar. All inside of one of the most historical buildings in Madrid. This summer we will have the doors open for everyone.
What do you find most challenging about the MICE industry?
The most challenging about the MICE industry is to deliver in every moment what is expected. Nowadays, the MICE industry is more and more personalized, that means that you cannot generalized the event as every client has different needs and visions. The anticipation and the WOW factor need to be constantly there.
Did you have any mentors or people who deeply influenced your career?
Yes, there are two people that have really influenced my career and have really believed in my strenght and work , Jose Ramon Villarubia in Melia and Marie Bull in Marriott. I consider myself very lucky to have had these two persons in my career path.
Now, let’s talk a little bit more about you as a person,
What is your favourite destination in Spain and why?
There are many as Spain has so many amazing locations, if I had to choose: Madrid , coast Altea and Formentera island.
Madrid, Spain
A professional that you admire?
Javier Gomez Navarro, a person who has done so much for the tourism in Spain, full of devotion and professionalism.
Favourite movie?
Out of Africa (1985)
Thank you, Julio, for sharing with us so many interesting insights about your life and successes.