VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day
In approaching the 12th edition of the Vacation Rental World Summit, we’re releasing a series of interviews to leaders, key players and highly motivated people in our industry whose companies make a deep impact in our space and will be present at VRWS.
The aim is to get you some insight into these leaders and the company they founded, manage or work for, as well as getting some behind the scenes on their thinking, their motivation and their drive.
Mrinalini Sharma
- What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?
Travel has always been a passion of mine, not merely as a personal interest, but for its ability to forge meaningful connections and create lasting memories. I’ve been fortunate to be part of Marriott International since 2011, and over the years I’ve seen first-hand how hospitality, when done right, can leave a lasting impact on people’s lives.
The vacation rental industry fascinated me because it combines the best of hospitality with the uniqueness of local, home-based experiences. When the chance to join Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy came along, it felt like a perfect fit- bringing the hospitality, professionalism, and strategic thinking we’ve cultivated at Marriott into a sector that thrives on personalization and local discovery. It’s been an exhilarating challenge to help shape this growing business while remaining true to Marriott’s values and commitment to service excellence.
- What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy stands apart by not only curating beautiful properties in the most sought-after destinations — we are delivering a hospitality experience backed by the trust, loyalty, and service standards of Marriott International. We work exclusively with select professional property management companies who we trust to deliver on the high product and service standards that guests expect of Marriott International in design, cleanliness, safety and reliability.
Our unique advantage lies in offering guests the best of both worlds: the space and authenticity of a vacation rental, coupled with the assurance and benefits of Marriott Bonvoy. To stay ahead, we consistently place our guests and property management partners in the center of all that we do, leveraging data, insights, and market trends to innovate while remaining true to our brand promise.
- If you attended the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, what was the most exciting or valuable takeaway for you? And looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, what are you hoping to gain or experience this time?
Although I couldn’t attend the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, I was fortunate to have several team members from across the globe participate. Their feedback reinforced what makes this event so valuable — the opportunity to engage with industry peers, partners, and thought leaders in a highly collaborative environment.
What stood out most from their experience was the industry’s shared commitment to elevate professional standards, drive innovation, and focus on guest-centric solutions — all themes that strongly align with our priorities at Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
Looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, I’m excited to continue these important conversations, strengthen partnerships, and explore new ideas around sustainable growth, technology, and delivering exceptional guest experiences in an evolving travel landscape.
- Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?
Tokyo, Japan is a destination that has left a profound and lasting impression on me. What I found truly inspiring about Tokyo is the incredible harmony between precision, creativity, and culture that flows through every aspect of life there — from meticulous attention to detail in hospitality to the vibrant neighborhoods that blend tradition with modern innovation.
Whether it was experiencing the quiet beauty of a Shinto shrine tucked away in the middle of a bustling city, or the energy of a tiny ramen shop delivering an unforgettable meal, Tokyo reminded me that the guest experience is often elevated through thoughtful simplicity and authenticity. It’s a city that embraces both the future and its heritage — a balance that resonates deeply with me both personally and professionally. It continues to inspire how I think about delivering exceptional, memorable experiences in hospitality.
- What’s one fun fact, hidden talent, or little-known secret about you that other attendees should know to spark a great conversation with you?
A fun fact about me — I’m a bit of a foodie at heart and love to try my hand at cooking dishes from places I’ve traveled. While I’m certainly no professional chef, I’m on a personal quest to master the perfect homemade pasta — so any tips from fellow pasta lovers at the 2025 Summit in Rome are greatly appreciated!
You’ll have the opportunity to meet Mrinalini and HVMB team at VRWS in Rome
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