Success in a brand new world for hospitality management

We had the privilege of catching up with Claudio Pasquini, an esteemed alumnus of SHMS-IHTTI, who comes from Zambia and Italy. Claudio embarked on his educational journey at IHTTI School of Hospitality & Design Management in the fall of 2017, spending two unforgettable semesters in Neuchâtel. Little did he know that a remarkable transformation was on the horizon. In the fall of 2019, IHTTI merged with the SHMS brand, making Claudio one of the last IHTTI graduates and one of the first at the SHMS Leysin campus.

Claudio completed his studies at SHMS-IHTTI in June 2020, earning a BA in Hospitality & Design Management. However, the future of the tourism industry was uncertain at that time due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. With the closure of hotels and airports, and widespread layoffs, Claudio faced difficulties in finding opportunities abroad. Consequently, he made the decision to return to Zambia, his home country, to be with his family and explore prospects from the comfort of familiar surroundings.

The job search proved to be challenging for Claudio, as the offers he received in Zambia didn't meet his expectations. Undeterred, he expressed during our interview, "Although I had several successful interviews with renowned corporations, the offers didn't align with my ambitions. If the market wasn't ready to provide suitable opportunities, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own exclusive boutique safari lodge. This way, I could establish a name for myself while contributing to the growth of the Zambian hospitality industry." Thus, at the young age of 21, right after completing his university education, Claudio embarked on an entrepreneurial endeavor by transforming his family's weekend home into a safari lodge, welcoming guests to the Mukalya Private Game Reserve situated along the banks of the Lower Zambezi River in Zambia.

What began as a family project soon became Claudio's own venture as he took charge of the business. He spearheaded the operational plan and established standard operating procedures, overseeing renovations and interior design as a project manager and creative director. Furthermore, he trained the predominantly local staff, most of whom had no prior experience in the hospitality industry. After months of dedicated work, Mukalya Private Game Reserve opened its doors to guests in December 2020. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the reserve achieved an impressive 70% occupancy rate for its nine rooms, primarily attracting local clientele seeking a partially commercialized home away from home. Conservation lies at the heart of the reserve's mission. Claudio shared that the area was once home to a thriving population of rhinos, but they became extinct due to poaching. Witnessing the decline of wildlife and forests due to deforestation and poaching, Claudio's family decided to fence their estate in 2015 to protect the flora and fauna. Over the past eight years, they have reintroduced over 250 animals, including giraffes, zebras, sable antelopes, eland antelopes, and kudus, to the region.
 

Claudio's management style reflects his hands-on approach. "You have to be," he asserted. His family, involved in various retail, mining, and property development ventures, instilled the spirit of entrepreneurship in him. Their foray into the events industry a few years ago resulted in Ananda Wedding & Conference Venue, which remains one of the country's top event venues. Claudio fondly recalled, "Growing up, our home was always filled with guests. I naturally developed a passion for hosting, cooking, and organizing events, which piqued my interest in a future career within the industry."

Hospitality management initially attracted Claudio not solely because of the hospitality aspect, but also because of his passion for interior design and architecture. Discovering the IHTTI course, which combined interior design with hospitality, proved to be a perfect fit. While the program had its demanding moments, he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the school. Even when his final semester transitioned to online classes due to the pandemic, Claudio appreciated the privilege of residing on the Leysin campus, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and nature, while most other aspects of life were restricted.

Internships played a pivotal role in Claudio's education. He completed his first internship at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire, working in the banquets department for six intensive months. Although the experience was mentally and physically exhausting, it provided valuable insights and enhanced his understanding of the industry. For his second internship, he pursued a corporate position in transport, logistics, and accounting with a freight forwarding and customs clearing company in Zambia. This opportunity allowed him to acquire essential skills and knowledge in accounting, logistics, and documentation procedures. Despite these internships not being directly related to hospitality, they provided him with priceless training and a broadened skill set.

Regarding his current management of the reserve, Claudio expressed his astonishment at the path he has taken. Living in the African Bush, far away from the city life he was accustomed to, has been an unexpected journey. "To this day, no one can believe that I've thrived in the African Bush," he chuckled. "I'm a city boy who adores nature, but I admit that I cannot stay in the African Bush for too long, especially alone." While Claudio has adapted well to most aspects of life in the African Bush, he acknowledges that the limited social life and travel opportunities pose ongoing challenges.

Although he plans to continue managing the reserve for now, Claudio looks forward to exploring new opportunities, potentially gaining work experience or pursuing further studies in interior design or management abroad. Above all, he prioritizes his personal happiness. Earlier in the year, Claudio was offered to assist in the establishment of a 72-room hotel in Lusaka, Zambia. While the opportunity seemed exciting and would be an impressive addition to his CV, Claudio carefully weighed his personal aspirations and the prospect of entrusting his existing venture to others and decided to continue his career with Mukalya.

People often assume that managing his property at a young age came easily to Claudio or that it was handed to him on a silver platter due to his family's support. However, he took matters into his own hands, turning adversity into an opportunity. Amidst the world's economic recovery, he created Mukalya Private Game Reserve and shaped it into the remarkable establishment it is today. Claudio hopes that his experience serves as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and proactive nature. Eager to continuously grow and evolve, he envisions a vibrant future for Mukalya and eagerly anticipates the possibilities that lie ahead.

Presently, Claudio intends to remain on his path within the hospitality industry, passionately managing his exclusive reserve. We are confident that a bright future awaits him, and we eagerly look forward to the unfolding chapters of his journey.

Although Claudio has been occupied with Mukalya to the extent that he has yet to find time to return to Switzerland, even for his postponed graduation ceremony, he now looks forward to collaborating with SHMS on internships and projects, providing opportunities to current students.