Ep. 20 Enza & Alberto Barba - Positano, Italy

Entrepreneurs Enza and Alberto Barba host Kyle at their spectacular, newly opened hotel called Petrea Lifestyle Suites in the hills of Positano, Italy. With a background in tourism and languages, this dynamic couple has created a 3-room oasis that lends new meaning to the terms “hospitality” and “room with a view.” 

Overcoming multiple COVID-related challenges to open the property in May 2021, they explain the property’s unique positioning within the community, as well as some positive effects that the pandemic had on their daily routine.

A graduate of the tourism program at the Amalfi-based L’Istituto Tecnico per il Turismo, Enza has many years of hospitality related experience in Italy and elsewhere. She is fluent in English and Spanish in addition to her native Italian.

Alberto hails from Positano, completed his studies in Sorrento, and has a long-standing track record in the tourism and food & beverage industries.

Petrea Lifestyle Suites plans to accommodate guests throughout the year, including the winter.

00:43- Episode Introduction

03:30 – CAREER FOUNDATIONS: The Ascent of a Dealmaker

04:32 – Enza’s Background and Connection to the Amalfi Coast

06:09 – Impetus Behind Start of Petrea Lifestyle Suites

08:10 – Choice of Property Location

10:14 – Management Responsibilities & Hospitality Experience

12:28 - PROPERTY PARTICULARS: Comments in a Hotel Guest Book 

12:29 – Connection to Mythology

15:48 – Guest Suite Naming

18:38 – Attraction of Neighborhood

20:38 – To Open or Not to Open?

21:58 – Transportation to/from Montepertuso

23:53 - MAKING THE MARKET: Tourism and Real Estate

23:54 – Local Economic Drivers

24:40 – Pre vs. Post-COVID Tourism Trends

28:45 – Hotel Pricing and Guest Experience

31:52 – Desired Services

34:31 – Local Real Estate Ownership & Financing

38:48 – New Parking Garage

40:34 - LESSONS FROM COVID: An Unforgettable Time in History

40:35 – Takeaways from Famiglia Barba

42:40 – Mask Wearing for Children

43:30 – Benefits of COVID

44:40 – Movement within Positano during COVID

46:52 – Tenant / Landlord Relationship

49:06 - ASSET DEEP DIVE: How It All Comes Together

49:08 – Influences During Construction

52:02 – Project Marketing

54:10 – Guest Room Rates

57:30 – Year-Round Positano Lodging

1:00:12 – TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN: How to Spend Three Perfect Days

1:00:24 – How to Spend 3 Days As a Tourist

1:02:45 – Advice for First Time Visitor

Additional Links

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firuzsoyuer/

Petrea Lifestyle Suites Website: http://www.petreapositano.com/en/

Gallery of Images from PLS: http://www.petreapositano.com/en/gallery/