Saúl Mauricio Salaverria Santos
Saul works in the tourism sector as the General Manager of Samay Hostel. For American and European backpackers looking for a place to stay, Samay Hostel provides safe and comfortable accommodation with bilingual staff so that customers have the chance to clarify and resolve all their travel-related issues. Saul aims to establish partnerships with at least three local businesses or organizations within the next four months and to ultimately be the heart of authentic travel experiences in Juayua—a vibrant and welcoming hub that connects travelers with the local culture, fosters meaningful connections, and creates unforgettable memories. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, Saul’s top business challenge is Strategy, especially regarding fluctuations in occupancy, as the hostel is in a small town with limited tourist traffic; as a result, peaks and troughs in demand can lead to inconsistent revenue, which affects the ability to cover operational costs and achieve profitability. During the Fellowship Placement, Saul hopes to gain knowledge about administration, strategies, operations, marketing, and sales.