Name: Mary V.
Position: Senior Sales Manager
Hotel: Adelaide Marriott Hotel
Dream destination: I’ve always dreamed of visiting Turkey—my heart’s been doing the Ottoman waltz ever since I learned about Sultan Suleiman! I can’t wait to stroll through history like I’m in a storybook
Drink or treat of choice: I’m convinced that a good dry rosé is the answer to life’s questions—sip, swirl, and enjoy the vibes!
When you meet Mary, you understand what Fijian hospitality means. She brought her warmth and her sunshiny personality to Marriott in 2017 but her “passion for Marriott,” as she describes it, started long before she became part of the company, on a very special occasion.
“[I was having] a special lunch at the Sydney Harbour Marriott hotel with my dad to celebrate a personal milestone. That day, I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and pride from the associates, who treated me like family despite not knowing me,” she recalls. “As a young girl from Fiji, their genuine care left a lasting impression and fueled my desire to work in hospitality.”
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Mary went on to explore different roles in hospitality, from concierge officer to receptionist to secretary, until she finally joined the company in 2017.
“When I finally joined the Fiji Marriott, I felt that same genuine care that I felt as I stepped through the doors at the Sydney Harbour Marriott,” she says. “At that moment, I knew I was home. Now Marriott isn’t just a workplace for me; it’s a place where I belong and can truly make a difference.”
Today, Mary is a Senior Sales Manager at the newly opened Adelaide Marriott Hotel, the first Marriott hotel in Southern Australia located in the iconic old General Post Office in the heart of the city. The best part of her job? She feels “privileged to play a crucial role in driving hotel revenue through strategic planning and innovative sales initiatives.”
Learn more about the highlights of her journey and her best advice for new talent in her own words below.
What is something unique you love about working in the Sales department?
The opportunity to craft personalized experiences for clients.
What’s one stereotype or myth about your department? Do you feel it is true?
Hosting clients for meals is only a portion of what we do.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
Team briefing, reading through reports (pick up report, daily briefing sheet etc.), taming the inbox beast, site inspections, client networking (if any).
Could you describe a moment when you felt supported at Marriott?
The loss of my beloved mum. The outpouring of love and support from everyone in the APAC family, from the Area Team to my fellow associates, was truly overwhelming. I am so grateful to be part of an organization that embodies such warmth and solidarity. Thank you to everyone who reached out and supported me during this time. Your kindness has left a lasting impact on my heart.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Contracting the Largest Group for the Complex (The Westin Brisbane & Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane) since its opening for the month of November 2023, and Meeting Mr. David Marriott in October of 2023.
What’s your best advice for incoming Marriott associates?
Take advantage of the training opportunities and resources available to you. Continuous learning is key to career growth and stay passionate, keep your passion for hospitality alive! Remember why you chose this industry and let that drive your day-to-day work. .
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