TESTIMONIALS

“When, in April 2022, I decided to travel 596km and venture into a new challenge to carry out my professional internship at the Groups & Events department at the Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, while finishing my Masters in Hotel Management and Commercial Management & Marketing, at Polytechnic Institute of Porto – Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo, I did not imagine finding a second family that welcomed me with all the affection, and that made me want to stay in the hotel after the end of the internship period. Fortunately, that opportunity arose, and in February 2023, I was invited to join the team as Coordinator of Groups, Conferences and Events, a role that allows me to continue to learn, put my knowledge into practice and evolve professionally.”

Ana Rodrigues
Coordinator of Groups, Conferences, and Events . Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

“My first contact with the Minor Hotels Group took place in February 2023, when I carried out my internship at the Commercial Department, during my Degree in Tourism Management at ISCE – Instituto Superior de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo. After many researches of companies in hospitality in Portugal and some contacts for the internship, Minor Hotels emerged as a great option, due to its notoriety in the market conditions offered and several career possibilities. My experience during the 3 months of internship could not have been more positive, which led me to want to stay at the company and enter an internal recruitment selection process for the Groups & Events Department of the Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel, a department that I joined in June and with which I started my journey and professional career in this group.”

Beatriz Dias
Groups, Conferences, and Events . Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel

“I would like to share a special moment in my professional career that occurred recently. ​In May 2023, I joined the Minor Hotels Group as a Human Resources intern, at the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, through the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), and I am very happy to be able to announce that, in February 2024, I had the opportunity to be promoted to collaborator.

This journey has been very rewarding and enriching, I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone for being part of it. From the first moment I was received with friendliness, support and opportunities for growth that I will never forget. I want to express my sincere gratitude for the constant support, guidance and inspiration to the team I worked with on a daily basis, especially to my colleague Inês Silva, thank you for the moments of collaboration, companionship and shared laughter. I also thank you for believing in my potential. Every day was an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the company’s goals.

Every challenge faced and every achievement achieved was possible thanks to everyone’s work and the spirit of cooperation. ​ I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to the success of our team and the company as a whole.”

Júlia Pereira
Human Resources Assistant . Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort ​

“My first contact with the Minor Hotels Group took place in September 2023, after my application to ICEX VIVES, an International Internship Program promoted by the Government of Spain.

This program introduced me to this group and allowed me to undertake a professional internship in the area of ​​Employer Branding, in the Human Resources Department of Minor Hotels in Portugal.

An enriching opportunity, accompanied by an excellent team, which has allowed me to acquire knowledge in an area of ​​great interest and curiosity for me and has enabled me to put into practice everything I learned during my Degree in Labor Relations and Human Resources at the University of A Coruña ,

Thanks to this experience, and these 12 months of internship, I am sure that I will evolve personally and professionally.”

Manuel López Río
Human Resources Intern . Minor Hotels . Portugal

“My experience with the group began in 2007, when I joined the company and had the opportunity to manage the Hotel Tivoli Sintra and the Hotel Tivoli Palácio de Seteais. After this enriching experience, in which I stayed for some years, the company opened the door to incredible experiences, having had the privilege of being General Manager in fantastic hotels and resorts and in unique destinations, such as Thailand, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, where I took over the management of some resorts under the Anantara brand. Whether at Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, Anantara, or any of the other brands, Minor Hotels is undoubtedly the right place for anyone looking to start and build a solid career in the hotel business. A company that invests in training, encourages and promotes mobility, both in Portugal and abroad, believes in the entrepreneurial spirit, diversity and supports those who want to grow professionally, as it was and is my case.”

João Corte-Real
General Director . Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

“I’ve been part of the group since 1991, the year I started my duties as Mandarete at the Hotel Tivoli Jardim (currently Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel), a hotel where I fell in love with hospitality and which led me to want to invest in my training, progression and professional development. Over these 22 years, I have taken different roles, such as, 2nd Receptionist, 1st Receptionist, Deputy Reception Manager, Reception Manager, Accommodation Director, up to the position I proudly assume today as General Manager. I would say that the highlight of my career happened in 2017 when I was challenged to spend 1 month in Bangkok with the mission to get to know the AVANI brand and become a brand ambassador in Europe with the opening of the first AVANI Hotel in Europe and Portugal, of which today I am General Manager.

I recognize that my professional path was driven by my commitment and desire to grow, but essentially by being part of a Group that encourages and promotes growth and career progression to those who, like me, want to grow professionally. As I am always willing to learn and evolve, I will soon take on a new challenge. I will be part of the Becoming a GM program, an immersive Career Development Plan to consolidate my knowledge and share experiences with colleagues from other nationalities. I am sure it will be very enriching.”

Edi Pires
General Director . AVANI Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel

“I started my professional career in 1989, the year I joined the Food & Beverage team at the Tivoli Marinotel, currently the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort, and where I fell in love with the art of gastronomy. Having started my career as a kitchen assistant, I developed my knowledge here and grew professionally, assuming years later the role of Sous Chef. Over the years, I’ve had countless enriching experiences, playing a very important role in launching gastronomic projects, such as Pepper’s Steakhouse and PuroBeach, which have given me enormous satisfaction.

In 2012, 23 years after joining the group, I accepted a new challenge and headed to Portimão, where I took on the role of Executive Chef at the Tivoli Marina Portimão Algarve Resort, currently NH Marina Portimão Resort, where I have been since then. An 11-year-old project, in constant development, with openings of new restaurants and gastronomic concepts, such as T-Bone Tender Steakhouse & Premium Bar and Pizzeria Sunset, which I am pleased to be part of.

34 years after starting my career in this group, it is with pride that I continue to be part of this company. A company that recognizes the commitment and dedication of its teams and promotes their professional growth, as it is, and has been my case.”

Luis Ferreira
Executive Chef . NH Marina Portimão Resort

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to progress in my career by taking on the role of Groups, Weddings & Events Executive at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, around a year after joining the hotel as Sales Promoter.

It’s a milestone in my professional life and, from the beginning, the team’s support was essential to develop, innovate and face challenges with confidence and serenity. The trust placed in me and my potential has been a source of inspiration and motivation.

Being promoted is not only a recognition of my work and dedication, but a testimony to the culture of our group, which values the development of talents and promotes personal and professional growth. I commit to repaying the trust by continuing to work with passion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

This new chapter is an opportunity to contribute more significantly to the success of the team and our events.

To all my colleagues, I want to express my most sincere thanks for trusting in me and my potential. Together, we will continue to create unforgettable experiences for our customers, marking their lives in positive and meaningful ways.”

Beatriz Vieira
Groups, Weddings & Events Executive . Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

“I finished my Degree in Human Resources Management, at ISCTE, in 2001, with the certainty of wanting to learn and apply knowledge, in an interesting business area.

My father would bring home, stories about the hotel where he worked and I grew up with the enthusiasm of, one day, being able to work in such an exciting company… In 2001 I started a curricular internship in People Management at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa Hotel and I confided to my friends that I got up every day with the enthusiasm of someone driven by passion.

This company gave me the opportunity to present my ideas, belong to project groups, open hotels and develop my skills in a Master in Hotel Management. Later, I became enthusiastic about marketing and started a Masters in Marketing Management. I like to learn!

Along the way, I managed the payroll team and later the Regional Directorate of Urban Hotels. In 2019, the company that welcomed me as an intern invited me to work as People Management for Minor Hotels in Portugal. I no longer had my father with me, but I’m sure he would be very proud to see his daughter grow up in the hotel in his stories…

For everyone looking to grow, fight for what moves you, what you are passionate about and then take advantage of the opportunities that arise, demonstrating the value of each person, with joy, ethics and professionalism.”

Carla Silva
People Director . Minor Hotels Portugal

“My hotel adventure in this group began in 2000, when in November of that year I entered the Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade Lisboa Hotel for the first time to respond to an advertisement for the bellboy category.

At that same moment, my love for the hotel industry and the group where I still remain, 24 years later, began to grow.

When I joined, I had the privilege of being very well received by the Tivoli family and given me the opportunity to grow in one of the best hotels in Lisbon and a reference in the Portuguese hotel sector.

A few years later, I progressed in my career and joined the reception team at the Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade Lisboa Hotel, a very rewarding experience full of learning, in a wonderful team, full of talent and tradition when it comes to “welcoming”.

In 2008, I was invited to be Head of Reception Shift, a memorable challenge and full of good memories, having coincided with the year in which I set out to add a degree in Hotel Management to my CV, which I successfully completed due to largely support that the group has always given me.

2 years later, a new challenge was given to me to take on the role of Head of Reception at the Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel, a vibrant hotel and a true family, in which I continued my learning and career development, having in 2016, already with the the Tivoli brand, integrated into the Minor Hotels Group, assumed the Accommodation Management of the Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel, a position that filled me with pride and gave me new learning.

As a result of my evolution and the group’s continued investment in me, in 2019 I was invited to take on the position of General Director at the Tivoli Coimbra Hotel, a very enriching experience that allowed me to continue to evolve in my career until my current position as General Director of the NH Lisboa Campo Grande.”

Rui Cardoso
General Manager . NH Lisboa Campo Grande

“I joined the group in 2002 as an intern at the reception of the Hotel Tivoli Sintra, where I currently work as Hotel Manager, now under the NH Sintra Centro brand. Participating in the Becoming a GM program was a very enriching opportunity. It allowed me to get to know other operational realities, share experiences and knowledge with colleagues from other nationalities. Above all, it gave me the opportunity to grow and become a more complete professional, which today allows me to carry out the function of Hotel Manager with a better performance. “

Patrícia Gonçalves
Hotel Manager . NH Sintra Centro

“I have been part of the Minor Group since 2018, the year I joined the team at the Tivoli Marina Portimão Algarve Resort, currently NH Marina Portimão Resort, as F&B Manager.​ Over these 5 years, and my 15-year career, I have had the opportunity to have several enriching experiences in the F&B area and in the hotel sector.​ In order to achieve my great professional goal that I have set myself since the beginning of my career, which is to be General Manager, I seek daily to enrich my knowledge in other operational areas through sharing and involvement with the other departments.​ During this last year, the Rebranding process of the hotel for the NH Resorts brand, in which I was involved, helped with this professional growth in several areas and the possibility of joining the next edition of the Becoming a GM program, starting in September, will be undoubtedly another big step in my career. The anxiety and enthusiasm are huge, and I can’t wait to start the Career Progression program, which I know will be a big step in my professional development.”

Fábio Oliveira
F&B Manager, NH Marina Portimão Resort

“I have had the pleasure to join the NH Collection Liberdade team in 2018 as a Guest Relations Manager. During these 5 years I have met wonderful people who have allowed me to grow professionally and assume the quality and hotel operations management of NH Collection Liberdade. Additional enriching experiences include the merge of NH Hotels Group and Minor Hotels as well as a hotel management change.

Hospitality has been my passion since a little girl and leading a hotel team is my career goal. Being able to be part of the Becoming a GM program 2023/2024, is very exhilarating and motivating, being able to learn and grow thanks to the amazing and knowledgeable professionals within the company. “

Yasminn Ebner da Costa
Guest Relations and Hotel Operations Manager . NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade

“Italian and with all my professional experience acquired in my country, in 2017 I decided to leave my beloved Italy and take my first work experience abroad as a receptionist at the NH Collection Palácio de Castellanos in Salamanca.

When I decided to apply for the Crossing NH Borders program, I was looking for a similar experience, trusting in advance that it would be equally enriching for me as a person and as a professional. In this case, I headed to Portugal, and the Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort was, and is, my host hotel for the three months of the program and I couldn’t be happier.

Moving from a small urban hotel to a resort wasn’t easy, but thanks to my new colleagues I was able to integrate perfectly into the big Tivoli family. I was able to adapt to the new place, learn a new way of working, very different from mine, learning to deal with situations very different from what I am used to and I also managed to learn a new language, very important for me as a professional in the world of hospitality.

This experience impacted me in a very positive way and I would like to recommend it to all my colleagues who have the opportunity and desire to participate.”

Elda Bruni
Receptionist . NH Collection Palácio de Castellanos . Salamanca

“In 2022, after an uncertain pandemic and the renovation of the Algarve Congress Center, it was a pride to join the group and event coordination team at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort.

With focus, determination, and the assurance that this would be the beginning of a new era for event segmentation, I accepted the challenge.

After 2 years of social events, weddings, distinct groups, and conferences, everyday life continues to surprise me and pushes me to go further.

Currently, with the certainty that it is here that I will continue to grow, I remain focused on elevating my experience through the training and structure that Minor continues to provide.”

Patrícia Rocha
Groups & Events Coordinator . Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort

“It is very gratifying to have been recognized as employee of the month at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort.​ It’s an honor to be part of this dedicated and welcoming team. I would like to thank all my colleagues and my managers for their trust in my work and support in the projects I develop. This recognition also reinforces my commitment to offering the best service to our guests and the best conditions for our colleagues.”

Fábio Amaral
Maintenance Supervisor. Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

“I have been part of the Minor Hotels Group since 2003, the year I had the opportunity to do my internship and join the Kitchen team at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve.

After an accident, which caused irreversible damage to my vision, leaving me with a 100% visual impairment, I had to look for an alternative to my profession as a butcher.

I started a specific course for rehabilitation, where I relearned new cutting techniques, which gave me the opportunity to undertake an internship as a fruit and vegetable cutter at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort, a hotel where I have stayed for over 20 years and where I always felt like an integral part of the team.”

António Canário
Chef . Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort

“Having the opportunity to participate in the Task Force team for the opening of the first Tivoli Hotel in Italy was an absolutely wonderful and remarkable experience in my career as a hospitality professional. The opportunity to experience new ways of working, share procedures and good practices that we use in Portugal and acquire new knowledge with professionals from other nationalities, allowed me to grow and evolve both personally and professionally. I turned difficulties into opportunities for improvement and grabbed the opportunity to learn a little Italian and get in touch with another culture. I believe that my willingness to help made the difference with the Housekeeping team at the Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Resort, remaining available and receptive to new Task Force experiences.”

Ivo Ferreira
Executive Officer . Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

“Since the day I started working for the Minor Hotels group, I always wanted the opportunity to participate in a Task Force outside of Europe. When the opportunity to go to Oman arose in December 2023, despite the nervousness and fear of going to a strange country with a completely different culture, I didn’t hesitate to accept.

I was welcomed by a team that helped me adapt from the first day and was always available to help me. It was one of my best decisions, the professional and personal growth was great.

I performed the role of “Villa Host”, different from the role I usually perform at the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, of which I am part, and with this I gained experience as a Villa Host accompanies the guest from arrival to check-out day, identical to Buttler’s role, but with the added responsibility of reception. I really enjoyed it, I learned and I feel like I’ve evolved a lot.

I wouldn’t hesitate to join a Task Force again, as the experience and knowledge we learned from different cultures is huge.”

Verónica Marques
Guest Relations . Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort