Alba Hotchkiss
Background
Alba started her career at Air France, and joined its hotel division, Meridien Hotels, when it was created. She later directed the U.S. office for Frantel Hotels. In 1981, Alba followed her entrepreneurial urge and created Mondotels, a multi-line sales office soliciting U.S. traffic for international hotels. As she built a steady client portfolio, Alba developed a special focus on the meetings industry, and has reached a leading position among sales agencies in this arena. In 2010, Alba committed Mondotels to becoming a Division of Development Counsellors International.
Alba’s Passion for Places
Alba was born in Varese, Italy (northwest of Milano, near the Swiss border). Her love for travel began in the early years, when her family would go to Switzerland for ice cream on Sunday afternoons. (What were we thinking? Italy has the best gelato!) Alba’s career put her in constant motion around the globe for leisure and business. Alba knows there is not a place on earth she doesn’t want to see, or a culture she doesn’t wish to explore. She has travelled extensively, but her appetite for new places and different cultures has not been quenched.
Notable Results
- Alba organized a U.S. tour for the mayor of Nice, France with a delegation of hoteliers to launch the opening of the Acropolis Convention Center, a new concept in deluxe meetings facilities. The program included three press luncheons, four events to host meeting planners and one-to-one meetings with the mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami. In recognition of her successful campaign and the subsequent sales results for Acropolis, Alba was awarded the “Medal of Nice” by the city government.
- Throughout the company’s three decades of operation, Alba has achieved a remarkable rate of client retention. Clients have repeatedly renewed their contracts with Mondotels. Several have stayed longer than a dozen years and one client maintained its commitment for 25 years. Some clients parted with Mondotels, and have since returned. It’s a demonstration of client satisfaction that Alba attributes to the experience and dedication of her loyal staff
- Sales success has been Alba’s drive and “the Mondotels’ difference.” On a yearly basis, her focus on results produces more than 180 bid opportunites for Mondotels’ clients around the world.
Up Close
Where You’ll Find Alba the Weekend
Walking the beach of Bridgehampton or the Dunes at Napegue. Enjoying the opera. Cooking for friends on Long Island. When in doubt, check Italy!
Places that Alba Has Called Home
Varese, Italy
New York, New York,
Bridgehampton, New York
Surprising Facts about Alba
Creative Cooking
Alba loves to host guests at home for meals she prepares with her own recipes and traditional favorites from her family. That’s not really surprising, given her national heritage.
Speechless
On her first day of school in the U.S., she neither spoke nor understood a word of English and walked around the school following other students when the bell rang. She was convinced other students thought she was from Mars, with her Italian-tailored dresses and that long single braid.
Future Generations
Alba has five grandchildren she adores. Following in her footsteps, the children have already visited six countries and speak three languages among them. It’s a moveable international feast!
