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Rocco Forte Hotels: people are those shaping the future of luxury hospitality

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The Rome Business School continues to strengthen its connection with the global luxury hospitality industry through exclusive sessions with top players. Among them, the recent company presentation by Rocco Forte Hotels offered Tourism and Hospitality Master’s students a unique insider perspective.

The session was led by Lapo Scarlatti, recruitment and internship programs responsible in Italy, providing valuable insights into hiring processes and career opportunities.

People are the real luxury

One key message stood out:

“You can invest heavily in design and infrastructure, but the real value lies in people.”

This philosophy defines Rocco Forte Hotels, a family-owned brand built on three core pillars:

  • Heritage
  • Family
  • Individuality

The motto “Join the Family” reflects a genuine commitment to talent development and human-centric hospitality.

Expansion and opportunities

With a strong European presence, especially in Italy, the group is expanding with new openings in Naples, Noto, and Costa Smeralda—creating exciting career paths for future hospitality professionals.

What luxury hotels look for

Students gained practical advice on how to stand out:

  • Show personality and authenticity
  • Understand the property’s identity
  • Demonstrate integrity and teamwork
  • Embrace cultural diversity
  • Deliver genuine care in service

Post-Covid challenges in hospitality

The industry is facing a talent shortage due to:

  • Poor work-life balance
  • Non-competitive salaries
  • Limited career progression

Rocco Forte Hotels’ solutions

To tackle these issues, the group has implemented:

Work-life balance improvements

  • No split shifts
  • Structured 5-day, 8-hour schedules

Financial incentives

  • “Discretional Service Charge” shared among employees

Career growth initiatives

  • “Forte Future Leaders” program
  • Internal mobility
  • Personalized development plans

Working at Rocco Forte Hotels

Employees benefit from:

  • Structured training programs
  • International career opportunities
  • Seasonal work experiences across Europe
  • Cross-departmental learning

As highlighted by Lapo Scarlatti during the session:

We aim to deliver local culture through our people.”

Bridging education and industry

This event highlights the strength of the Rome Business School network, connecting students with leading luxury hospitality brands and preparing them for successful global careers.