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THE INTERVIEW SERIES – DAVID SONTAG – SALES DIRECTOR, VILLAZZO

Thursday, July 19th, 2018
David Sontag

In our ongoing series of interviews, we exclusively speak to David Sontag, Sales Director at Villazzo. With more than five years’ experience in the luxury sales industry, David has also worked for The Miami Herald and The Miami Heat, before joining Villazzo in 2016.

Q: Tell us a little about your objectives as Sales Director at Villazzo?

My main objectives are to book homes in each of the destinations we serve, while increasing revenue year on year. This involves finding homeowners that are interested in joining our VillaHotel program, and continuing to keep Villazzo at the front of their minds.

Q: Villazzo is known for its unrivalled vacation rentals in incredible locations. What do you look for in new properties?

We always look for the best homes in the best locations in the destinations we offer, many of which have the ‘wow’ factor. Our reputation means that owners trust us with their homes and work with us exclusively. We enjoy finding likeminded partners that we can build long-term relationships with.

Q: Currently, Villazzo is present in five global locations around the world. Where would you like to see the next destination on the map?

Our customers enjoy being inspired by the luxury vacation rentals we offer. Beverly Hills is a destination with tremendous opportunities for growth, and we’re seeing a demand for homes in the area, so watch this space…

Q: What makes Villazzo unique, that entices your elite clientele back time and again?

It’s all about the high level of service we offer. When a client first contacts Villazzo, it’s because they’ve heard about our concept, and have seen photos of our properties online. But, it’s our five-star service that gives us a real advantage, which is unrivaled and unmatched by anyone.

After we’ve completed the booking process, guests are introduced to our operations team (David & Aleksandra). They work effortlessly to plan the guest’s itineraries, and ensure their every desire is met. Between these two and their in-house teams, they pull out all the stops to make every experience special. Guests leave feeling cared and catered for, and we notice that many return – not just to the same destinations, but others in our portfolio too.

Q: What is more important – great customer service or a great villa location?

They’re both equally as important as each other, but for different reasons. The homes, and their location are often the motivation for guests to get in touch – and what makes us stand out against competitors. However, it’s our five-star service that we’re known for. The service begins during the first initial call and continues even after a guest checks out. Our goal is to make a personal connection from the start. Once a guest arrives and stays with us, it’s the outstanding customer service that gets them to return, and we go beyond the usual expectations to make sure guests are satisfied.

Welcome

Q: You’re extremely well-travelled with a love of luxury – how does this help in your role?

Having a knowledge of luxury, how luxury is defined, and what’s expected from a luxury experience helps define my role. I appreciate that customers want a professional, polite approach, as well as access to some of the best luxury villa rentals.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?

We’re often asked to help plan itineraries that create memories that last a lifetime. This is a challenge we love, but can take weeks, if not months of planning.

Q: Have you noticed any interesting trends in the industry at the moment?

The increased demand for private rental homes continues. As travelers look for a more personalized service, this is something we can help with at Villazzo.

Q: Do you have any insider tips for online rental bookings?

Rates tend to be more favorable during mid-week stays. If you have a limited budget, try and look for properties that don’t include a weekend stay.

Q: If you had to pick a destination for unrivalled luxury, where would you choose?

This is personal to everyone’s taste, after all, there is luxury to be found in every destination. For me, it’s a combination of a perfect property matched with five-star service to create a memorable stay.