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Coral Hotels International Women’s Day: A Conversation with Maiken Svendsen, Sales Manager of Coral Hotels in
International Women’s Day: A Conversation with Maiken Svendsen, Sales Manager of Coral Hotels
April 4, 2025
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On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we had the honor of interviewing Maiken Svendsen, our Sales Manager, who has been a fundamental pillar in the growth and success of our hotel chain. Through this conversation, we explored her journey in the hospitality sector, the challenges she has faced, and how she has overcome gender stereotypes to lead with excellence.
Personal Journey With over two decades of experience in the sector, Maiken Svendsen began her professional journey immediately after completing her nursing studies in Norway. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she arrived in Spain 24 years ago after completing a guide course with the Scandinavian tour operator Ving. She was hired at Coral Los Alisios, where she faced the challenge of taking on a new position behind the reception desk without knowing the language. Armed only with a Norwegian-Spanish dictionary, Maiken immersed herself in a rapid learning process to communicate with her colleagues.
This determination to overcome early linguistic and cultural barriers marked the beginning of her remarkable professional progress. Maiken continued her career at various Coral Hotels receptions, including Coral Compostela Beach and Coral California. Her passion for customer service and her natural business instincts quickly led her to ascend to roles of greater responsibility. Over the years, she has worked for several hotel chains, returning as Sales Manager to Coral Hotels in 2022.
Leadership and Innovative Sales Strategies Today, Maiken is established as a key figure in the chain’s commercial realm. Her dynamic leadership has been essential in driving teams toward common goals. Moreover, she has played a crucial role in developing sales strategies that have significantly contributed to the growth and reputation of Coral Hotels.
Did you always want to work in the hospitality sector? How did you get to where you are today? Maiken Svendsen: While my passion for service and hospitality guided me to this sector, my path was not linear. I started in operational roles and, with dedication, continuous learning, and a firm belief in innovation, I climbed to the leadership position I hold today. Every experience has taught me the importance of adapting, innovating, and, above all, leading with empathy.
What do you enjoy most about your job, and what do you find most challenging? Maiken Svendsen: What I enjoy most is the ability to positively influence our guests’ experience and the professional development of our team. Challenges are constant, especially in such a dynamic world, but facing and overcoming them is what drives growth. Continuous innovation and balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency are challenges that motivate me daily.
Have you faced gender discrimination in your work environment? Maiken Svendsen: Yes, there were occasions when being a woman closed professional doors for me. However, these experiences only fueled my determination to excel and break down prejudices. Perseverance led me to the leadership position I hold today, reaffirming the importance of fostering a work environment based on equality and respect.
What innovations have you introduced in your area? Maiken Svendsen: I have led the implementation of innovative and personalized sales strategies, tailored to different market segments and continuously adjusted to the ever-changing tourism landscape.
What can companies do to empower women in the workplace? Maiken Svendsen: Creating inclusive and equitable work environments is crucial. This includes offering equal opportunities for professional advancement, mentoring programs, and ensuring women’s voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes. Female empowerment begins with recognizing and valuing the unique contribution that each woman brings to the table.
What advice would you share with women starting their careers who aspire to leadership positions? Maiken Svendsen: My advice is to be resilient, passionate, and never stop learning. The world is full of opportunities for those willing to take risks and stand up for their ideas. Self-confidence and perseverance are key to overcoming any obstacle.
Maiken Svendsen is an example of leadership, innovation, and commitment. Her dedication to excellence and focus on innovation have established her as a role model, inspiring women both within and beyond our hotel chain. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Maiken and all the women who, with their work and passion, contribute every day to the success of the hospitality sector.
Personal Journey With over two decades of experience in the sector, Maiken Svendsen began her professional journey immediately after completing her nursing studies in Norway. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she arrived in Spain 24 years ago after completing a guide course with the Scandinavian tour operator Ving. She was hired at Coral Los Alisios, where she faced the challenge of taking on a new position behind the reception desk without knowing the language. Armed only with a Norwegian-Spanish dictionary, Maiken immersed herself in a rapid learning process to communicate with her colleagues.
This determination to overcome early linguistic and cultural barriers marked the beginning of her remarkable professional progress. Maiken continued her career at various Coral Hotels receptions, including Coral Compostela Beach and Coral California. Her passion for customer service and her natural business instincts quickly led her to ascend to roles of greater responsibility. Over the years, she has worked for several hotel chains, returning as Sales Manager to Coral Hotels in 2022.
Leadership and Innovative Sales Strategies Today, Maiken is established as a key figure in the chain’s commercial realm. Her dynamic leadership has been essential in driving teams toward common goals. Moreover, she has played a crucial role in developing sales strategies that have significantly contributed to the growth and reputation of Coral Hotels.
Did you always want to work in the hospitality sector? How did you get to where you are today? Maiken Svendsen: While my passion for service and hospitality guided me to this sector, my path was not linear. I started in operational roles and, with dedication, continuous learning, and a firm belief in innovation, I climbed to the leadership position I hold today. Every experience has taught me the importance of adapting, innovating, and, above all, leading with empathy.
What do you enjoy most about your job, and what do you find most challenging? Maiken Svendsen: What I enjoy most is the ability to positively influence our guests’ experience and the professional development of our team. Challenges are constant, especially in such a dynamic world, but facing and overcoming them is what drives growth. Continuous innovation and balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency are challenges that motivate me daily.
Have you faced gender discrimination in your work environment? Maiken Svendsen: Yes, there were occasions when being a woman closed professional doors for me. However, these experiences only fueled my determination to excel and break down prejudices. Perseverance led me to the leadership position I hold today, reaffirming the importance of fostering a work environment based on equality and respect.
What innovations have you introduced in your area? Maiken Svendsen: I have led the implementation of innovative and personalized sales strategies, tailored to different market segments and continuously adjusted to the ever-changing tourism landscape.
What can companies do to empower women in the workplace? Maiken Svendsen: Creating inclusive and equitable work environments is crucial. This includes offering equal opportunities for professional advancement, mentoring programs, and ensuring women’s voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes. Female empowerment begins with recognizing and valuing the unique contribution that each woman brings to the table.
What advice would you share with women starting their careers who aspire to leadership positions? Maiken Svendsen: My advice is to be resilient, passionate, and never stop learning. The world is full of opportunities for those willing to take risks and stand up for their ideas. Self-confidence and perseverance are key to overcoming any obstacle.
Maiken Svendsen is an example of leadership, innovation, and commitment. Her dedication to excellence and focus on innovation have established her as a role model, inspiring women both within and beyond our hotel chain. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Maiken and all the women who, with their work and passion, contribute every day to the success of the hospitality sector.