Tag: Carlos Díez de la Lastra

News

Les Roches Creates a Foundation to Drive Research and Improvement in the Hospitality Industry

May 28, 2024 by Mansi Praharaj 0 Comments #Carlos Díez de la Lastra, #hospitality industry, #Spark X Foundation

Marbella/Madrid, May 28, 2024. Les Roches, a leading institution in hospitality management education, has created the Spark X Foundation, a non-profit organization that will promote innovation, technology, and sustainability to improve both customer and employee experiences. Committed to inclusion, diversity, and a positive and lasting social impact, the foundation will base its mission on digital culture, sustainable development, acquiring new skills, and creating new opportunities.

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  Spark X Foundation will have two collegiate bodies, the ESG Advisory Board, composed of representatives from tourist destinations, associations, and federations, and the Strategy Advisory Board, made up of renowned professionals in different fields. Their work will enable collaboration and knowledge exchange between the industry, administration, and the educational community, fostering joint projects, business opportunities, and strategic alliances. The Advisory Boards, essential components for achieving the Foundation’s goals and activities, will include Arturo Bernal, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports of the Junta de Andalucía; Francisco de la Torre, Mayor of Málaga; Ángeles Muñoz, Mayor of Marbella; Javier Gonzalez de la Lara y Sarria, President of CEA & CEM and Vice President of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE); Maribel Rodriguez Gamero, Senior Vice President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism (UNWTO); Gonzaga Escauriaza, President of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation; José Luque, President of the Costa del Sol Hotel Entrepreneurs Association (Aehcos); Cristina Martín Blasi, Executive President of Luxury Spain; Francisco José Sardón, President of PREDIF; María Bravo, President of Global Gift Foundation; Mónica Esteban, Founder and President of Juegaterapia; as well as Dimas Gimeno, Executive President of WOW Concept; José Ángel Preciados, CEO of ILUNION Hotels; Nuño de la Rosa, CEO of Air Europa; Joan Roca, Founder of El Celler de Can Roca; Mari Francis Peñarroya, CEO of Holiday World (Grupo Peñarroya); Lisardo Morán Urdiales, Managing Director of Tourism and Sport of Andalucía; Sonia Diez, President of EducAccion; Carlos Mateo, President of the Spanish Startup Association (AES); Ignacio Maluquer, CEO of Starlite; and Pedro Ruiz Aragoneses, CEO of Alma Carraovejas.

 Moreover, the Spark X Universe network, composed of customer service organizers, industrial solution providers, academic institutions, public organizations, and associations, will lead solutions suitable for implementation in the industry.

 Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches and President of Spark X Foundation, asserts: “Hospitality needs to stay ahead to remain the primary economic source it is and to thrive in a constantly changing environment. With Spark X Foundation, we aim to create a meeting point where we can support and nurture new talent with the expertise offered by great industry leaders and the international business sector. Only through the union of all hospitality actors, debate, and interaction with innovation will it be possible to elevate the overall experience of both the customer and the employee to the highest level.”
Spark X Foundation is part of Sommet Education, the prestigious hospitality education ecosystem that includes renown institutions such as Les Roches, Glion Institute of Higher Education, École Ducasse, Invictus Education, and the Indian School of Hospitality.

 Equal Opportunities and Economic Growth
Spark X Foundation will operate in four key areas:
Society: They will advocate for equal opportunities in the sector regardless of personal circumstances and democratize access to education through scholarships and training programs.

Planet: They will develop innovative solutions to minimize the environmental impact of the tourism industry through education based on environmental awareness, the use of clean technologies, and the adoption of sustainable management practices.

Industry: They will bring together different sector players to promote the exchange of ideas and dialogue on challenges, opportunities, and critical issues.
Cooperation: They will collaborate with professionals, companies, and institutions worldwide to tackle global problems and promote intercultural understanding, peace, and international cooperation.
Three Innovation Spaces
Spark X Foundation will be distributed across three interconnected spaces dedicated to the search and transfer of knowledge, interaction, and collaboration in idea development:
Innovation Hub: Representatives of federations and associations, public entities, and leading companies in products, services, and customer service will analyze challenges and develop innovative proposals.

Living Labs: The Les Roches campus and a series of selected destinations will become experiential training environments where students, teachers, consultants, and alumni will develop solutions aimed at improving customer and employee experiences.

X Center: This is the bridge between research and its practical application, reflecting the industry’s evolution. In this space, both students and industry professionals with established careers will train in the latest trends and technological advances.

As part of its support for emerging talent, the foundation will have an acceleration program for disruptive startups that create positive change in the hospitality sector. This program will offer comprehensive support, advice, mentoring, and access to resources and facilities so that startups can reach their full potential. Additionally, they will organize forums, talks, and summits that will serve as a space for exchanging ideas and connecting with other industry leaders.

Education

Les Roches launches online education platform in India

Jan 27, 2024 by Sujata Muguda 0 Comments #Carlos Díez de la Lastra, #Les Roches, #Les Roches Digital Certificate Programs, #Online Education

India, January 27th 2024 – Les Roches is thrilled to announce the expansion of its educational horizon by launching an online academy specifically tailored for the Indian market.

Through this platform, Les Roches will offer its acclaimed knowledge in hospitality management experience to a broader audience in India. This platform signs a significant step in providing students in India with unparalleled access to world-class education in hospitality management.

These dynamic programs, comprising four distinct pathways, offer participants a unique opportunity to acquire specialized skills and knowledge in the fields of hospitality, innovation and more generally in business management. The new Digital Certificate Programs will empower aspiring professionals and industry enthusiasts to excel in their careers, all while enjoying the flexibility of online learning.

The four captivating pathways available under the Les Roches Digital Certificate Programs are:

Certified Hospitality Finance Analyst: This pathway is tailored for individuals seeking expertise in hospitality financial management, providing a comprehensive understanding of financial strategies, budgeting, and revenue management.

Sustainability Specialist: In a world increasingly focused on environmental responsibility, this pathway equips participants with the skills and knowledge to implement sustainable practices within the hospitality industry, contributing to a greener future.

Certified Digital Marketer: With the rapid evolution of technology, digital marketing has become integral to business success. This pathway trains participants to master the art of digital marketing, from social media strategies to data analytics.

Certified Maître D: Ideal for those passionate about service excellence, this pathway hones participants’ skills in guest relations, fine dining management, and front-of-house operations, preparing them for top-tier hospitality roles.

Each of these pathways is composed of five carefully curated modules (Short Learning Program – SLP), which can be pursued independently or combined to earn the full Digital Certificate. This modular approach allows participants to tailor their learning journey according to their interests and professional goals, ensuring a flexible and personalized experience. Learners choosing either one Short Learning Program (SLP or module) or full Pathway for certification will receive a Les Roches Digital Completion Certificate at the end.

Mr. Carlos Diez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “We are excited to extend our legacy of excellence in hospitality education to aspiring professionals in India through our innovative online Digital Certificate Programs. With our diverse pathways and modular structure, participants can take charge of their learning and embark on a journey towards a successful and rewarding career in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.”

The online format of the Digital Certificate Programs enables participants to access high-quality education from anywhere, eliminating geographical barriers and making it convenient for working professionals and students alike. Each module is designed to be engaging and interactive, incorporating multimedia elements, real-world case studies, and collaborative assignments to facilitate effective learning.

This new feature follows the School academic alliance with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), enhancing the reach and impact of both institutions in the country.

Business

Les Roches brings together the world’s leading experts in space and underwater tourism to analyze the challenges this emerging sector will face in the next decade

Sep 9, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Carlos Díez de la Lastra, #Managing Director of Les Roches Marbella

The pioneering event on space and underwater tourism, which brings together the main international space agencies and private ventures, will celebrate its second edition at Les Roches’ from September 22nd to 24th, coinciding with the autumn equinox and in hybrid format, with one full day of face-to-face presentations and two additional days of virtual sessions.

SUTUS 2021, under the title “Tourism Beyond Natural Borders”, is a unique event, organized byLes Roches, one of the most important in the world together with Medina Media Events.

This edition will feature renowned international and national professionals from the aerospace industry together with officials from NASA, ESA, and JAXA. During the three-day conference speakers and panels will discuss, among other current issues, private travel to space and the private capital ventures working to make the dream reality alongside more scientific research into areas like agriculture on other planets. Upon returning to Earth, participants at SUTUS will dive into the world of subaquatic tourism, where marine archaeologists, diving experts and intrepid explorers will show them this unexplored world.

In addition, the Les Roches’ campus will also host a demo area where innovative projects related to tourism from different national and international companies will be exhibited, such as the emergency shelter designed by ESA, a zeppelin floating over the campus, an educational project by The City of the Stars which consists of a 4×6 meter portable planetarium that forms part of a virtual reality walk through the solar system.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Managing Director of Les Roches Marbella, said “SUTUS was born to become a benchmark for luxury tourism. For this new edition of SUTUS, there’s no better place than Les Roches, a hotel management training school and benchmark of quality education both inside and outside our borders, to collaborate with this exciting project”.

In this second edition, and through the platform by Medina Media Events that has been used in the 4K-HDR Summit, the 5GForum and Extenda Global, virtual assistants and registered companies will be able to follow all the sessions via live streaming and have B2B meetings between them and the speakers.

In-person participation, due to anti-Covid measures, will be restricted to speakers, institutions, sponsors, VIP attendees and the media.

Through the website www.sutusummit.com you can register and access the official program. SUTUS is an opportunity to listen to keynote speakers talk about the most ambitious challenges of the emerging space and underwater tourism sectors and to share knowledge and business opportunities.