Connecting Travel PR of the Month: Alessandra Fernandez

The team at Connecting Travel are constantly being asked to recommend the best travel and hospitality PR and marketing agencies in the Middle East. Agencies are only as good as the people who work at them, so we have decided to celebrate the industry's PR stars in 2024 with a new monthly feature electing the professionals who have gone above and beyond for their clients, ensuring their brands are represented in the best light and constantly written about.

This month, January 2024, we honour Alessandra Fernandez of MAIA. Under the mentorship of industry leader and MAIA founder Shadi Moazami, Aless – as she's known to her friends and colleagues – has become a PR powerhouse, representing some of the world's best hotels, including Six Senses Zighy Bay, Soneva Resorts and the Maybourne properties, Claridge's and The Connaught among them.

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Dubai-born Aless, 29, has worked hard at her craft. She undertook a degree in International Relations at UWE Bristol and an MA in Public Relations at the University of Westminster before working at reputable PR agencies in the UK, including Grayling and Burson-Marsteller. Edelman Dabo gave Aless her first job in the UAE and, in October 2022, she joined MAIA.

"Established in 2019 by the incredible Shadi Moazami, MAIA has diligently built a strong and trusted reputation as one of the region's most respected Brand Communications agencies, collaborating with an ever-expanding portfolio of luxury hospitality destinations, both locally and internationally," says Aless. "In just four years, MAIA is now made up of 15 individuals from all over the world."

Aless attributes much of her success and job satisfaction to her team. "The collaborative nature of the work environment is fantastic," she says. "Working alongside talented and passionate individuals fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose and, most importantly, it makes the job fun."

"We are a team of travellers, connoisseurs, creatives, wordsmiths, dreamers and doers," adds Aless. "With extensive agency and in-house experience in luxury, hospitality and design, we not only understand what sounds and looks good, we also grasp what truly makes a commercial impact."

"Every day brings a fresh set of challenges and opportunities, making my role endlessly dynamic and engaging. The ever-changing landscape keeps me on my toes, ensuring monotony is never a factor," continues Aless. "This constant variety not only allows me to continuously learn and adapt but also sparks my constant curiosity and enthusiasm."

The MAIA client list:

• Al Bateen Ladies Club by Matcha
• Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
• Attiko Dubai
• CASSETTE
• H2R
• Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah
• Le Clos, part of MMI
• Maybourne: Claridge's, The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Maybourne Beverly Hills, The Maybourne Riveria
• Melia Desert Palm
• Mett Bodrum
• Mett Marbella
• Mott 32 Dubai
• NETTE
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
• Raffles The Palm Dubai
• Six Senses Fiji (Social Media)
• Six Senses Zighy Bay
• Six Senses Zil Payson (Social Media)
• Soneva Group; Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, Soneva Secret, and Soneva Kiri
• The Arts Club
• The Lana, Dubai - Dorchester Collection's first property in the Middle East
• Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
• Zabeel House, The Greens

To enquire about enlisting the services of MAIA, or for media enquiries, email Aless at alessandra@themaiacollection.me. For more information, visit themaiacollection.me