The IoH Youth Council

Sofia Mayr AIH #imin

Born in a small region in northern Italy heavily reliant on tourism, I have been passionate about the hospitality industry since I was a little girl. I was always fascinated by the fact that while I was on holiday, there were people around me working hard to make my and other guests’ stays perfect.

I entered the industry at 14 when I decided to attend a vocational high school for Tourism and Hospitality studies, during which, I was working part-time in different restaurants and hotels in the area. I then moved to the UK to join the University of Surrey to study International Hospitality and Tourism Management as a Bachelor’s Degree when I decided to enrol in the first one, and then a second Sommelier course in London to consolidate my wine knowledge. I worked part-time in a restaurant, and, among many other things, I joined the Institute of Hospitality in my first year of university.

I was amazed by the inclusivity and diversity of the Institute and impressed by the many new things I managed to learn from wonderful people I was lucky enough to meet. I joined the IoH and its Youth Council to be able to support new and young talent coming into hospitality, especially international students like myself, and help them find their path and passion in our amazing industry.

Current role: Cluster Revenue Manager at Hilton

Favourite quote: “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday” – Eleanor Roosevelt