We were lucky to catch up with Maria Jose Cagide recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maria Jose, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever seen (or implemented) a really awesome way to show a client you appreciate them

Building Partnerships in the Travel Tech Industry:
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is collaborating with tour operators, people who often balance passion and grit to bring their local culture to life. I’ve built lifelong relationships with many of them by taking the time to understand their pain points, stepping into their shoes, and aligning my expertise with their needs.

For instance, as a consultant and advocate for their success, I don’t just teach them about booking engines or online travel agencies, I learn from them too. I listen to their stories, understand their challenges, and see their businesses through their eyes. This approach transforms a simple transaction into a true partnership.

Over the years, this has paid off in meaningful ways. When I’ve moved between companies, the same partners have sought me out to continue working together. Why? Because they know I care. I’ve taken the time to get to know their teams, their products, and their unique goals. I’ve shown them that their success is my success—if they win, we all win as a team.

I once had a partner say to me, “Working with you feels like having someone who truly cares about our success, like you’re one of us.” That moment stayed with me because it captured what I strive for in every partnership. Whether it’s solving operational challenges, helping them grow internationally, or celebrating their wins, I’ve always believed that we achieve more when we work as a team.

Creating Community with “Mexas in Miami”:
Outside of work, I’ve channeled the same ethos into celebrating and promoting the talent, businesses, and projects of Mexicans in Miami through the Instagram account @mexasinmia. The people I connect with there are part of a vibrant network united by a shared identity and a spirit of mutual support, fostering collaboration and celebrating each other’s successes.

Through this initiative, we’ve built a space where talent is recognized, businesses are amplified, and people feel supported. It’s not just about growing individually, it’s about growing together. The sense of unity we’ve cultivated has shown me that when we uplift and celebrate one another, the entire community thrives.

The Impact of Appreciation:
Whether I’m working with tour operators or building a supportive network in Miami, the key to showing appreciation is the same: understanding people’s needs, stepping into their shoes, and building a foundation of trust and respect.

In the travel tech industry, this has meant creating win-win outcomes where both sides succeed. For “Mexas in Miami,” it’s about reminding people that we’re stronger together, that through community, we can go further.

Ultimately, showing appreciation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about genuine connection. It’s about making people feel seen, valued, and supported. That’s what turns a client into a lifelong partner or a group of strangers into a thriving community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Maria Jose, a tourism entrepreneur, consultant, and passionate community builder. My journey in the tourism industry began over 15 years ago, fueled by a childhood curiosity about how the world of travel works. Growing up, I was captivated by the idea of creating memorable travel experiences that enrich people’s lives. This passion led me to earn a degree in Hotel Administration from CESSA Universidad in Mexico City, where I built the foundation for a career dedicated to shaping unforgettable journeys.

I’ve worked with major players in the tourism and travel tech industry, including Fairmont Mayakoba, Peek, and now GetYourGuide, where I focus on Ticketing Solutions for tours and attractions. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how online travel agencies, booking engines, and technology can transform local tourism businesses. My role involves not just providing tools but also creating tailored strategies that empower tour operators to grow their businesses, connect with global audiences, and enhance their offerings.

What Problems Do I Solve for My Clients?
My clients are tour operators—people who bring destinations to life. They face unique challenges: limited visibility, lack of resources to scale, and navigating complex digital tools. I step into their shoes to truly understand their pain points, offering practical solutions that help them succeed. Whether it’s optimizing their online presence, building partnerships, or sharing knowledge about how the travel tech ecosystem works, my goal is to create win-win outcomes.
What sets me apart is my focus on relationships. I don’t just see my clients as business partners; I see them as part of a team. I take the time to understand their stories, their products, and their dreams. This approach has led to long-lasting collaborations, with clients continuing to seek my support even as I’ve transitioned between companies. The trust we build is the cornerstone of my work, and I’m proud to be a small part of their success.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
One of my proudest accomplishments is the sense of community I’ve cultivated with my clients and, more recently, through the Instagram community I’ve created the instagram community: Mexas in Miami. This initiative celebrates and promotes the talent, businesses, and projects of Mexicans in Miami. While it’s not a traditional business, it embodies the same values I bring to my work: connection, collaboration, and support. Through Mexas in Miami, we’ve built a network that fosters mutual growth and ensures that no one feels alone in their journey.

Looking to the Future:
In the near future, I’m excited to launch my next venture a tour company that will focus on creating authentic and unforgettable travel experiences in key U.S. cities, starting with Miami. By highlighting local culture, history, and gastronomy, and prioritizing sustainable tourism, the company aims to leave a positive impact on both travelers and the communities we operate in. The company’s mission includes empowering local women as guides and leaders, fostering economic growth while promoting responsible tourism.

What Sets Me Apart:
Whether I’m helping tour operators thrive in a competitive market or fostering a supportive community in Miami, I’m driven by the belief that we are stronger together. My work is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
If there’s one thing I’d like people to know about me, it’s this: I genuinely care about the people I work with and the communities I serve. My goal is not just to solve problems but to empower others to succeed. I believe that when we lift each other up, everyone wins.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

For me, the most effective strategy has been the power of word-of-mouth recommendations within the tour operator community. It’s something that didn’t happen overnight—it took years of dedication, relationship-building, and consistently delivering results.
In the travel tech industry, trust is everything. I’ve always approached my work with the mindset of genuinely understanding my clients’ needs and providing tailored solutions that make a meaningful impact on their businesses. This commitment to building trust has helped me form a solid network of tour operators who not only appreciate my work but also admire my dedication to their success.
Over time, this network has become one of my greatest assets. When a tour operator recommends me to another, it’s a testament to the trust and value I’ve built with them. These recommendations often come from people who have experienced firsthand how I strive to create win-win outcomes, whether by helping them optimize their online presence, solve operational challenges, or grow their international audience.
What makes this strategy so effective is that it’s rooted in authenticity. When someone refers me, it’s not just about my expertise—it’s about the genuine connection we’ve formed and the results we’ve achieved together. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work has earned the respect and endorsement of my peers, and it motivates me to keep raising the bar.
It’s not just about growing my clientele—it’s about growing alongside a community of tour operators who share a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation in the tourism and travel tech market has been built on trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to my clients’ success. I take the time to understand the unique challenges tour operators face, putting myself in their shoes to deliver tailored solutions that address their needs.

Consistency has been key, I strive to provide value and maintain high standards in every interaction, which has helped me earn the trust of my clients over time. This trust has led to long-lasting relationships, with many clients continuing to work with me and referring me to others.

Another critical factor has been aligning with my partners on shared goals. For example, I make it clear that we’re working toward the same objective: growing the destination they’re in, showcasing it to the world, and making it stronger in the tourism industry. By demonstrating that their success directly contributes to a larger vision, we create a sense of teamwork that inspires mutual effort and trust.

What truly sets me apart is my focus on relationships. I see my clients as part of a team, and their success feels personal to me. This dedication, combined with a passion for making a positive impact, has helped solidify my reputation as someone who genuinely cares and delivers results.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mexasinmia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjcagide/