Cathinka Jonsson

Experienced and passionate Destination Sales specialist motivated by building and leading a healthy and committed work environment whilst networking, collaborating and negotiating with stakeholders to secure national and international congress business. 

As a person I am fastidious and detail oriented with a bird's-eye perspective.  I am an extrovert with introverted tendencies, try to live life to its fullest, treat others as I wish to be treated, love challenges and am fluent in Danish and English with conversational French and German.

With a foundation in hospitality, my professional career spans from hotel sales and event management to destination sales and real estate.  

The common denominator: love the thrill of chasing and securing a good piece of business while providing outstanding service.

My experience as Tourism Manager of San Francisco gave me the understanding of what it takes (networking, the alliances, the aligning with stakeholders) to promote a destination and sell hotel rooms, cast against heavy competition with other cities such as NYC, Chicago, Miami, and even Las Vegas.  My experience with the Joie de Vivre Hotel group gave me the opportunity to work in the trenches as a Senior Hotel Sales (Corporate: convention, congress and MICE sales). Knowing how to balance the finesse of the camaraderie of friendly competition and aligning myself as the destination of choice is something I have acquired through experience.

I sought out 2 bachelor degrees in Marketing and Hotel Management as my 20 year-old self couldn't figure out that a Master's might have been a better way to go. I selected Schiller International University as it provided me with the flexibility to transfer from one city to another without affecting the curriculum.  That being said, the 2 educations carved out the perfect amalgamation of business and service, which in my view is critical for this position.