At IBB Hotel Collection, we pride ourselves on the talented individuals who make up our team. Each person brings their unique experience and passion to their work, contributing to our success as a leading hospitality brand. This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Patricia Aigner, our Head of Sales for Germany, whose career has been shaped by dedication, experience, and a passion for creating meaningful guest experiences. With over 16 years of service at IBB Hotel Collection, Patricia’s journey reflects her deep commitment to both the company and the hospitality industry as a whole.
A journey in hospitality
Patricia’s career in hospitality began with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies. During her time at IHG, Patricia had the opportunity to explore various departments, processes, and procedures within the industry. It was there that she discovered her true passion for sales, event planning, and group coordination, areas where her talents truly shone.
To further hone her skills, Patricia pursued additional education through IFH-certified diploma courses, including a Certified Convention Manager program and a Sales Manager course with a focus on strategic sales. Her practical experience also included internships across multiple locations, including Holiday Inn Munich-City Centre (Germany), where she worked within a large conference area, Holiday Inn Cardiff North (UK/Wales) and InterContinental Doha (Qatar).
Patricia’s career continued to evolve as she held the position of Director of Sales & Marketing in Passau, where she managed a team and supported the pre-opening of new IBB Hotel Collection properties in Passau Süd, Ingelheim, Hall (Austria), and Eichstätt. Over the years, Patricia has developed a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and event planning, which has helped shape her current role at IBB Hotel Collection.
A strategic role at IBB Hotel Collection
As Head of Sales for Germany, Patricia’s primary responsibility is to connect IBB Hotel Collection’s services with customers, showcasing the unique offerings of the brand to potential clients. Her work involves planning and organizing events, group bookings, and sales strategies to meet the needs of both existing and new customers. She works closely with the Head of Sales and Revenue, hotel directors, and hotel teams to ensure the smooth implementation of these strategies.
Patricia’s role also involves meeting sales targets aligned with budget expectations, acquiring new clients and forging long-lasting partnerships, maintaining relationships with existing clients and developing customer retention campaigns, representing IBB Hotel Collection at trade fairs and conferences and conducting market analyses to ensure the brand remains competitive and in line with customer needs.
For Patricia, the opportunity to present IBB Hotel Collection at industry events and trade fairs is one of the most enjoyable aspects of her role. She thrives on building relationships and sharing the brand’s offerings with the wider world.
Patricia is particularly drawn to the collaborative nature of working at IBB Hotel Collection. The company’s diverse team, which includes colleagues from various nationalities and backgrounds, brings together a wealth of experience and ideas. This collaborative environment allows Patricia to continue growing and learning while contributing her expertise to the team.
The family-like atmosphere at IBB Hotel Collection is also something Patricia deeply appreciates. The supportive, close-knit team allows her to flourish both professionally and personally. The progressive and innovative ethos of IBB Hotel Collection aligns perfectly with Patricia’s own values, making her work not only fulfilling but also exciting and inspiring.
The company values that drive Patricia
For Patricia, the values that define IBB Hotel Collection are central to the way she approaches her work. Diversity, passion, teamwork, and innovation are core elements that guide both her role and the overall company culture. At IBB Hotel Collection, the focus is not only on achieving business success but also on fostering an environment where different ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are celebrated.
Patricia believes that the company’s courage to embrace change and focus on development has been a driving force in IBB Hotel Collection’s success. These values are what make IBB Hotel Collection stand out in the hospitality industry, and they are what Patricia finds most inspiring about her work.
Facing challenges head-on
Like any role in the hospitality industry, Patricia’s position comes with its own set of challenges. In 2024, for example, the closure of some German properties presented new obstacles, but Patricia saw this as an opportunity to refocus her efforts on other IBB hotels, such as the IBB Hotel Eichstätt – a charming property Patricia lovingly refers to as the “Bavarian pearl.” Her commitment to making the most of any situation has always been one of Patricia’s strengths.
Patricia’s extensive experience in the industry, coupled with her loyalty to IBB Hotel Collection, ensures that she will continue to navigate these challenges with dedication and enthusiasm. As she looks forward to new markets and opportunities, she remains fully committed to helping the company continue to grow and evolve.
Over the years, Patricia has witnessed the significant transformation of the hospitality industry. With trends like digitisation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence shaping the future of hospitality, Patricia has adapted to these changes, always focusing on what’s best for guests. From automated check-ins to a greater focus on health and wellness, Patricia recognizes the increasing role that lifestyle and technology play in shaping hotel offerings.
For Patricia, the hospitality industry’s evolution presents both exciting opportunities and the chance to enhance guest experiences in new, innovative ways.
Life outside of work
Outside of her professional life, Patricia enjoys exploring the world of travel and tourism. She loves discovering new cultures, visiting both well-known and hidden locations, and meeting people who share their stories and experiences. This passion for travel extends to her personal development as well; Patricia is currently studying Italian, immersing herself in the language and culture.
When she’s not traveling or studying, Patricia finds balance through outdoor activities like hiking in the mountains or snowboarding in the winter. Interval training with friends is also part of her weekly routine, helping her stay fit and energized. On weekends, Patricia enjoys supporting her son at soccer competitions and tournaments across southern Bavaria, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Patricia Aigner’s dedication, passion for hospitality, and love for people make her an invaluable member of the IBB Hotel Collection team. Her commitment to the company’s growth, her focus on customer satisfaction, and her genuine enthusiasm for the industry continue to inspire those around her. We’re proud to have Patricia as part of our family, and we look forward to the many contributions she will make in the years to come.
Stay tuned for more insights from the amazing people of IBB Hotel Collection in our ongoing People of IBB series.