Anna Sanchez, "Studying at CETT was a period of discovery, learning, and preparation to enter the professional world well-prepared."
Agustí Vilamasana is 29 years old and from Barcelona, although he currently resides in New Zealand. He studied the Sommelier Higher Diploma at CETT.
Studying at CETT
We would like you to introduce yourself briefly.
I am Anna Sanchez Grau, and I graduated in the 2021 class of the Tourism and Hospitality Management degree. I have to say that those four years at university were some of the most enriching of my life. I look back on that time with great fondness—it was a period of discovery, learning, and preparation to enter the professional world well-prepared.
Once you graduate, I think you truly appreciate everything you experienced and learned, and that’s when you realize the privilege of having studied at such a prestigious institution as CETT.
What motivated you to choose CETT for your education in tourism and hospitality? Is there any memory or learning from CETT that you consider fundamental to your career?
I have always loved hotels, and I was lucky enough to have relatives working in the industry. As a child, I was always curious to know how a hotel operated and what happened behind the scenes.
When I decided that tourism and hospitality were what I wanted to pursue, I knew that CETT was the best option at the time—not only because of its high-quality education and experienced professors but also because of its facilities and opportunities, especially the internship programs and the possibility of studying a semester abroad, which were excellent. Additionally, I met people who had already studied there and highly recommended it. This aligned with the opinions of several industry professionals I consulted about the best universities in Barcelona.
CETTWanderlust Abu Dhabi
How did you decide to work in Abu Dhabi, a destination so renowned for its excellence in the hospitality sector? What attracted you to this market?
Honestly, when I finished my degree, and even during my studies, I worked in the front office. I believe it is an essential department for anyone in hospitality because it gives you a real understanding of how a hotel operates and all the behind-the-scenes work.
While working, I got to learn more about the commercial department, and after nearly five years in reception, I realized I wanted to be part of the sales team.
Eventually, I got the opportunity to do an internship in the sales department with Mandarin Oriental at their Abu Dhabi hotel. I knew it was the right time to make the shift, so I couldn't pass up the chance.
After completing my internship with Mandarin Oriental, I stayed for a few more months before securing a new opportunity with Jumeirah Hotels, where I have now been working as a Sales Executive for over a year.
The UAE is known for its high standards in hospitality. What challenges have you faced working there?
Definitely. The hotels here are unique. I always say that Abu Dhabi and Dubai are like "Disneyland for hoteliers" because most hotels create that "WOW" effect as soon as you step into the lobby. It’s hard to find similar products elsewhere.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two most well-known cities in the country, have received massive government investments in recent years to promote them primarily as vacation destinations. The results speak for themselves, as the number of overnight stays and tourists increases year after year.
From a professional perspective, and speaking from the commercial department’s point of view, selling Abu Dhabi as a vacation destination can be quite challenging. Some markets simply lack interest because they are unfamiliar with the product and the wide range of offerings available here. That’s why we focus on educating travel agencies with as much information as possible to make it easier to promote and sell Abu Dhabi as a destination.
Living and working in Abu Dhabi means adapting to a culture and regulations very different from ours. How would you describe your adaptation experience, both personally and professionally?
Yes, definitely. The UAE is a Muslim country, and you have to respect the culture. But just like in any country you move to, adaptation is key.
That said, it is true that the country has very strict rules and regulations. I suppose that’s precisely why it is one of the safest cities in the world, with extremely low crime rates. But again, just like anywhere else, you simply have to follow the local rules.
I always say that, as a woman, I have never had any issues or felt uncomfortable. In fact, I have been able to do exactly the same things I used to do when living in Barcelona or Switzerland.
Regarding lifestyle, it is different, and the customs and social life after work are not the same. However, if you find your balance and remain open to new experiences, you can enjoy the country without any problems. In fact, I guess that’s why almost 70% of the population here are expats.
As for work, the working hours are longer than in Europe, and the work culture is deeply ingrained in the country. I think it’s important to mention that, even though we work 10-hour shifts (which is a reality), the opportunities for professional growth and the job market in our sector are significantly stronger than in most European cities.
I see this experience as part of my personal and professional growth, and honestly, these two years I have spent here have been absolutely worth it.
What are the main differences you’ve noticed between the UAE hospitality market and other places where you’ve worked? Is there any practice you find particularly innovative?
The European and Middle Eastern markets are completely different. One of the biggest differences is how quickly and flexibly supply and demand adapt here.
For example, we work extensively with DMCs (Destination Management Companies), which play a crucial role in managing different markets and segments, including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Leisure, and Wholesale.
This region is particularly known for its diverse hospitality offerings, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to some of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in the world. In fact, the UAE is globally recognized for its spectacular and innovative hotels, with options that cater to everyone—from high-end tourists seeking ultimate luxury to those looking for a more affordable experience.
Additionally, if we compare hotel rates in Abu Dhabi with those in a city like Barcelona, for instance, we can see that luxury in the UAE is much more accessible.
To give an example: A standard 55m² room in a 5-star hotel in Abu Dhabi during peak season might cost €300. On the other hand, in European hotels, standard rooms are usually smaller, and finding a 5-star hotel for €300 during a high-demand week, such as Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, would be nearly impossible.
The UAE is a highly international environment. How has your experience been working with multicultural teams and clients from all over the world? Is there a particular lesson that has stood out to you?
Yes, absolutely. It’s fascinating because, in neither of the two hotel chains I’ve worked for in Abu Dhabi, I have had colleagues in my department from the same nationality.
The simple fact of not sharing a cultural background with anyone in your department forces you to broaden your perspective. You need to learn how to communicate with everyone and understand that each person has their own way of thinking. However, there is always a way to communicate and connect with people.
Advice for Future Students or Recent Graduates
I would 100% encourage them to give it a try—after all, everything is an experience.
Hotel companies usually provide accommodation, cover the flight tickets and visa, which is definitely a great advantage for anyone considering working or doing an internship abroad.
At first, the idea of living in a country so different from what we are used to might be a bit overwhelming because, unfortunately, many people have a mistaken idea or a wrong perception about this country.
From the outside, it may seem very closed-off and with a very different mindset from ours, but only when you visit or live there do you realize that you can do exactly the same things as you would in Barcelona.
So, to anyone thinking about moving here, I truly encourage you to do so—it will undoubtedly be an extraordinary experience.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Ainhoa Saura and the entire CETT team for considering me for this interview. Honestly, it has made me really happy!
I also want to take this opportunity to send my regards to some of my professors at the center. I have fond memories of all of them, but especially Anaïs Cavallin, Maria Soy, Caro, Alejandro Sevy, Óscar Casanovas, and Ainhoa Carballido.