In our latest inCROWD interview, we chat to Conrad Algarve’s director of sales Joel De Sousa, who shares his passion for making connections, travel, motorcycling and running.

De Sousa has been working in the hotel industry for over 20 years, including stints at Accor Hotels in Portugal and Spain and Tiara Hotels based out of Madrid.

“About eight years ago, I joined Hilton Worldwide, where I had the chance to work closely with all Iberian Peninsula Hilton Hotels before working exclusively for the outstanding Conrad Algarve,” he says.

My favourite #inVOYAGEMoment is…
I have personally attended a couple of inVOYAGE events, and I must say they were both outstanding in all aspects. I will keep the memory of Monaco, where besides the incredible venues and experiences we had access to, the event in general was absolutely amazing!

As a Formula 1 fan, and Monaco Grand Prix being my favourite one, I will definitely never forget the memory of driving on that racetrack. It was a unique and memorable experience to be where Ayrton Senna, my idol, also won .

The thing I most love about working in events is… the connections. Travelling the world and being the ambassador of a region and a hotel is an honour. I love the possibility we have to meet people from all parts of the world as well as to share unique and authentic experiences. Here we meet incredible people - outstanding professionals, that suddenly, besides being potential business partners, become your friends.

I also love the creative part of showcasing something new and memorable for every single guest. And inVOYAGE embraces all the aspects of it. 

Luxury to me is… no longer about having access to very expensive items, but to have the time to enjoy moments with the people you love. To do the things you like and have access to unique, authentic and exclusive experiences that are not necessarily expensive.

This is something I realised when I moved to the Algarve because this is definitely a place where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I also think the industry is changing its perspective of luxury.  

What is your best travel memory? Being a motorcyclist is one of my passions and last year I had the opportunity to travel through Morocco on my Harley Davidson - a trip that I highly recommend, not only on a motorcycle but also by car.

I managed to see so many beautiful cities such as Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh, Casablanca, the desert and its oasis were absolutely stunning, and the chance to meet so many incredible people and discover a bit more of the culture and especially the gastronomy of the country was a blessing. But the highlight was undoubtedly to cross the Atlas Mountains. A beauty with magnificent range. 

City slicker or beach bum? As I have the possibility of living in the Algarve, one of the best and most beautiful beach destinations in Europe, I do not have the need to go to other beach destinations.

So, through the years I have been living here, I gained the need to be “refuelled “ with city life. Definitely London and New York are on top of my list. I really get inspired in these two cities. 

If you could get on a plane right now, where would you fly and why?
As cities at this stage are not the best place to be, I think I would go to the Alps for some sky with my family. Just to chill and relax by the fireplace, with a nice glass of wine and, just for a moment, and forget that COVID-19 exists.

 Suitcase essentials? My running gear – I love gliding through the cities with my running shoes. It is one of the best ways to discover a city in my opinion.

I also love my tech gadgets. And definitely I am very generous in terms of the amount of clothes I take with me. When you work in luxury you need to have the proper attire to the several events we attend.

Your favourite hidden gem?
Farol Island, in Ria Formosa Natural Park in the Algarve. It’s one of the most beautiful and authentic islands we have here. The best place to find the most delicious local fish and seafood and combine it with some of the best wines of the region. Here, I can completely disconnect and recharge. 

Most memorable event moment… The launch of a luxury brand sports car, which was held here at the Conrad Algarve. During a whole month we completely customised our Roof Garden Suite.

We opened the retractable roof top using cranes to place the car on top of the infinity pool; used client logos on our chefs’ jackets and F&B team aprons... everything was personalised on every front.

It was a back-to-back press event, where all the attendees were amazed not only by the car, but also with the amazing F&B offering and service delivered, as well as the exclusive atmosphere we manage to provide throughout the whole experience.

When I’m not working, I’m most likely to be… at the Golf Course, having a nice grilled fish at the beach, or riding my motorcycle through the hills of the Algarve.

When the pandemic is over, I am most looking forward to… being able to travel, see and hug my family and friends, my business partners, and, of course, attend inVOYAGE in Mykonos.