<p><span class="p-body">Carl Yaffe's transition from a student at the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m-tisch-center-of-hospitality.html" title="Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality">NYU Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality</a> to a leader in the hotel distribution space was fueled by a keen interest in the intersection of travel, technology, and innovation. Earning his <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html">BS in Hotel and Tourism Management</a> with a focus on hotel development in 2013, Yaffe's&nbsp;journey into the heart of his chosen field demonstrates the tangible outcomes of an education that prioritizes real-world application and industry insights.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We sat down with Yaffe to learn more about his experience at NYU SPS, his advice to students, and what he's up to now.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">After graduating from SPS, Yaffe set his sights on an opportunity at Marriott International. Once he was hired, he dove head-first into the complexities of hotel sales in New York City, working with flagship properties to secure group business. Yaffe's drive to explore travel technology then led him to Roomer Travel, a peer-to-peer marketplace for hotel bookings, where he was pivotal in scaling the business. This venture into the startup world was both challenging and rewarding, providing Yaffe&nbsp;with a platform to exercise his entrepreneurial spirit.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In December 2018, Yaffe&nbsp;joined Hotel Trader as part of the founding team, launching a product that brings a new level of efficiency and transparency to hotel distribution. At Hotel Trader, Yaffe&nbsp;focuses on creating seamless connections between hotels and travel agencies worldwide, offering a cloud-based solution that helps simplify the hotel distribution process. As Head of Growth, his responsibilities span strategic partnerships, technical integrations, and revenue management, highlighting the role of innovation in fostering industry advancement.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Yaffe's passion for travel and commitment to enhancing the industry through technology are central to his work. His efforts at Hotel Trader aim to make travel more accessible, reflecting a broader goal of transforming how people experience the world. The chance to collaborate with a forward-thinking team motivates him, underscoring the importance of collective creativity and ambition in achieving common goals.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">NYU SPS has significantly shaped Yaffe's approach to his career and personal growth. The immersive environment of New York City, combined with the university's focus on practical learning, encouraged him to develop a robust, independent perspective.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Gaining firsthand experience and building a network of mentors within the industry are two essential pieces of advice that Yaffe&nbsp;offers. He advocates for starting at the grassroots level to fully understand the nuances of the field and to develop empathy for team members. This approach, according to Yaffe, is crucial for cultivating leadership qualities and navigating the complexities of the hospitality sector.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Are you also passionate about travel? Make wanderlust your full-time job when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html">BS in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management</a> from the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m-tisch-center-of-hospitality.html" title="Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality">Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality</a> at NYU SPS today.</span></p>