Roman Mehrow

And it is Monday again, 8 February. In today’s episode, I have the great pleasure to welcome Roman Mehrow, the founder and owner of RSelection AG, based in Zürich. Roman has more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry. After managing Kuoni concierge for 4 years, Roman founded his luxury travel agency in 2013. I met Roman the first time during one of my frequent visits to Zurich while representing the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg. 

Today, Roman’s team grew to five people, and his agency is a member of Traveller Made, a network of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys. Nowadays, where all industry events are taking place virtually, I love thinking back to our various participations at the Traveller Made Forums in Montreux and Deauville. 

We talked about the start of his career and why personal relationships are essential for agencies and hotels. Roman also advised the younger generation and shared his favourite book and his top three hotels amongst a long list of favourites.

Happy Monday and enjoy the read. 

Question 1: Where did you start your career? 

Roman Mehrow (RM): “Kuoni Travel in Bern, 1995”

Question 2: What does hospitality mean to you? 

RM: “Passion”

Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced, that shows the variety and beauty of our tourism and hospitality industry? 

RM: “There are so many, but it’s always great to experience what personal relationships can make happen. A quick call, e-mail, and a little extra can be arranged with our partners to surprise our mutual guests and make them feel special.”

Question 4: Have you had a mentor in your career? Who was it and did she/he give you the advice you still follow?

RM: “I did not have a mentor per se, but definitely bosses, which pushed me and believed in me and always encouraged me to start my own business one day.”

Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student or professional who recently started his/her career at this right moment? 

RM: “It’s the most beautiful industry with a lot of great (crazy) people. You most probably won’t do it if you want to make quick money, but you will become rich in experiences that no one can ever take it away. And there is no other industry with such a passion.”

Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc. 

RM: “Unorthodox – Deborah Feldman”

Bonus: Can you name your top 3 hotels? 

RM: “Soneva Fushi, Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg, Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (and many more )”

Dear Roman, thank you so much for taking your time and I hope to see you soon in beautiful Zurich. Happy Monday,