AltoVita's Spotlight Series: 5 Minutes with Robert Mendoza

Robert has joined AltoVita as the Director of Client Partnerships, Americas. In this role, Robert will be instrumental in driving AltoVita's expansion into the Americas, addressing the increasing demand for our services in the region. With a keen eye for partnership development and a strategic approach, Robert is set to significantly contribute to our growth and success.

Specialising in all things Business Travel, Robert brings over 15 years of diverse experience in the travel industry, having worked with prestigious Fortune 500 organisations as well as innovative startups such as citizenM, Skift, and The Guild.

An army brat and first-generation American who grew up in Austin, Texas, Robert discovered his passion for the travel industry while working at a hotel front desk during his college years. His unique background, market insight, and leadership make him a valuable addition to the AltoVita team, vital to driving strong client relationships and driving growth in this key market.

Can you describe the current mobility/business travel landscape in the USA — and what makes it unique from other countries?

The US business travel scene is experiencing a resurgence, demand is on the rise despite some economic uncertainty and shorter, more focused trips have emerged as the new norm due to the rise of hybrid work models. This shift prioritises in-person interactions and collaboration. There is also a growing emphasis on employee well-being and work-life balance, influencing travel policies and preferences. To navigate this complex environment, businesses are turning to new, innovative technology to optimize travel planning, booking, and expense management while prioritising the employee experience.

This tech-driven approach, coupled with the vast geographic expanse of the US, distinguishes the nation's business travel dynamics from many other regions. Compared to other countries, the US is characterised by a high degree of domestic mobility and a preference for shorter-term assignments, reflecting its fast-paced business culture. This unique combination presents both opportunities and challenges for travelers and corporations alike.

What do you enjoy most about your role, and what do you find most challenging?

Building relationships will always be the thing I enjoy most about being in a Travel Sales role, but when it comes to AltoVita, being able to introduce an innovative product with the potential to improve the travel experience for everyone involved is a close second. Providing such an innovative product requires partners who are willing to break the status quo and that a forward looking approach. Timing also plays a huge factor and with some financial instability in the market it can be a challenge for those 3 items to line up for potential partners.

How do you see AltoVita helping companies in the USA with their accommodation programmes?

AltoVita can be a game-changer for companies in the US seeking to optimize their accommodation programmes.

With traveller preferences continuing to evolve, having the ability to offer a diverse selection of accommodation types is a must. So whether you’re looking for a traditional hotel or a professionalised private apartment or home, being able to give your travellers personalised and vetted options is a great way to emphasize their well-being.

Furthermore, AltoVita's focus on technology and data analytics can significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of corporate accommodation programmes. By leveraging AI and machine learning, AltoVita can offer personalized recommendations, optimise booking processes, provide valuable insights into accommodation spending, allowing you to report on sustainability metrics.

In essence, AltoVita can be a strategic partner to companies, helping them enhance employee satisfaction, reduce costs, and improve overall programme efficiency.

What in your opinion makes AltoVita so unique in the US market compared to other vendors out there?

AltoVita is today the leader in corporate accommodations technology. We have several unique, exciting, and robust features helping companies improve their accommodation programmes but we are also a company nimble enough to cater our products to our clients specific needs allowing for one-of-a-kind experiences for both the travelers and program managers.

And while our technology sets the standard, what truly makes AltoVita unique is our people. We have such a talented, caring, and innovative team who will act as extensions of your team and who are empowered to be creative and leverage their expertise instead of imposing one way of solving corporate accommodation problems in the US and around the world.

What are your predictions for the next 12 months in the USA?

While the pending elections, financial instability, and fluctuating costs will certainly play a big part over the next 12 months, it is my opinion that the US travel market will continue its recent growth, with domestic travel leading the way as international travel gradually picks up. Trends like “bleisure” trips will continue to influence travel patterns but so will the growing emphasis on sustainable travel practices. With the recent technological advances, I believe the travel market overall is entering a golden age of technology and we’ll see more and more innovation in our space producing enhanced travel experiences, ensuring safety and efficiency.

What do you enjoy most about living in Austin, Texas?

Austin is a city that truly has it all - a vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and endless opportunities for adventure. From its world-renowned live music venues to its picturesque outdoor spaces like Zilker Park and Barton Springs, Austin offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural tranquility. The city's innovative spirit, evident in its thriving tech industry and creative start-ups, is matched only by its warm, welcoming, “come as you are” disposition that embraces diversity and individuality. Whether you're a music lover, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or career-driven professional, Austin's unique charm and endless possibilities make it an ideal place to call home and why I love living here.

If you had to move, which country would you most like to relocate to?

Spain would be at the top of my list. The laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of community resonate deeply with my personal values. Plus, the beauty of the Mediterranean and the prospect of endless paella… sign me up!