Marina Zabolotina

Career

01

22 years

I have experience working with VIP clients at travel agencies worldwide.

02

14 years

I own and operate Fame Travel, a travel agency specializing in high-quality concierge services.

03

4 years

I managed the Emerald Hotel in St. Petersburg as a General Manager

04

since 2023

I am spearheading the launch of a new luxury La Volga Hotel&Spa in the Tver region.

My story

My journey in the travel industry started in 2002 as a line manager at Arbat Voyage. There, I learned the ropes of the business, mastering tour selection and building relationships with hotels.

Early Steps in Tourism

01

In 2005, I became the director at Tour MarshRoute. My role involved developing and executing intricate travel itineraries, including trips for VIP clients. For instance, I organized a trip to the newly opened Four Seasons in Egypt for a group of Russian businessmen, arranging everything from a private jet to full on-site support.

Agency Director

02

Driven by my passion, I founded Fame Travel in 2010, which remains a key project for me today. Fame Travel goes beyond simply booking trips; we provide comprehensive guest support throughout their journey, including high-end concierge services. Currently, we're working closely with clients from the Gulf region, showcasing the beauty of Russia.

Fame Travel

03

In 2020, I stepped in as general manager at the Emerald Hotel during a challenging period. The business was struggling, so I spearheaded a complete restructuring. This involved revamping operational procedures, reorganizing the team, updating the marketing strategy and promotional tools, establishing partnerships with online travel agencies (OTAs), and revising the pricing policy.

Emerald Hotel

04

In 2023, I joined the La Volga Hotel & Spa project in the Tver region as a consultant, assisting with the launch of this new premium hotel. I've since transitioned to the role of Managing Director, overseeing a wide range of project phases, including team building, design development, construction progress monitoring, and the establishment of operational procedures.

La Volga Hotel

05

In July 2024, I launched "The Hotelista" Telegram channel, where I share insights gleaned from my 20 years in the hospitality industry. I delve into the intricacies of hotel operations, offer a behind-the-scenes look at concierge services for demanding clientele, discuss industry news, and share my perspectives on various aspects of this dynamic field.

The Hotelista

06