VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

1. What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?

Travel has always been both a constant in my career and a true personal passion: for many years, I found myself spending more nights in hotels than in my own home. At that time, the vacation rental market as we know it today was just emerging, and I immediately became an enthusiastic supporter because it offered me the chance to feel at home even when I was far away. Working in the MICE industry back then, it was only a small step for me to move into this complex and fascinating world—a world I have now been part of for almost 12 years that still excites and inspires me as much as it did on the very first day.

2. What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

What sets Traum-Ferienwohnungen apart is our ability to deliver direct bookings without charging commissions. This allows our partners to maximize revenue, keep costs under control, and maintain full flexibility over pricing. With a strong focus on German travelers—one of the most valuable source markets in Europe—we connect property owners and managers with guests who are highly engaged and loyal.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve built one of the most trusted vacation rental communities in Europe (4.5 Trustpilot rating), offering travelers a wide range of properties while never losing sight of the personal touch that makes each stay memorable. By combining this fair, cost-effective model with continuous investment in technology and market expertise, we ensure our partners achieve both visibility and sustainable growth.

3. 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?

Attending the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto was a special experience for me, as I lived it from the perspective of an event coordinator with my previous company. What stood out most was the strong sense of community: the interactive sessions, the roundtables, and the openness of industry leaders to share both successes and challenges. It was inspiring to see how collaboration and knowledge exchange can truly move our industry forward.

Looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, it feels a bit like coming full circle. I’ve attended previous editions in the past, working on the commercial side, and returning now gives me the chance to reconnect with those roots. I look forward to strengthening relationships, discovering fresh perspectives, and celebrating once again the spirit of collaboration that defines this industry.

4. Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?

One of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had was visiting the former Yugoslavia after the war, as part of a university project. It was the first time I came face to face with a post-war reality—something I had only heard about in my grandparents’ stories. It was harsh, even heartbreaking at times, yet an experience I will never forget.

What struck me most was the dignity of the people I met, their determination to look forward, and their vision of a future within Europe. That journey taught me, in the most vivid way, how right Flaubert was when he wrote: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

5. 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 little fun fact about me is that I’m an avid reader—I read everything from novels to poetry, history, and political essays. Over the years, I’ve kept every single book I’ve owned, and my personal library now has around 1,500 volumes, which I hope to one day pass on to my son. The funny part? Whenever I join a first video call, people are always a bit distracted at the beginning—completely amazed by the wall of books behind me.