Carlos dos Santos

Personal Philosophy Statement

“Hospitality is not just service — it’s connection. I believe in creating experiences that make people feel valued, seen, and inspired. Every guest interaction is an opportunity to build genuine relationships, foster belonging, and leave lasting memories”.

Core Competencies

• Guest Experience & Relations 
• Hospitality Operations & Property Management 
• Event & Conference Coordination 
• Leadership & Team Development 
• Budgeting & Revenue Growth 
• Brand Positioning & Marketing Strategy 
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management 
• SOP Implementation & Quality Control 
• Digital Engagement & Sustainability

Career Highlights

• Achieved R2 million+ in first-year revenue at Crestwood Estate, maintaining a 9.3/10 Booking.com rating and over 200 guest reviews.
• Directed premium corporate and charity events including The Captains Table and The Sharks Magazine Celebrity Marquee at the Vodacom Durban July.
• Founded and managed multiple boutique hospitality ventures, converting private estates into luxury guest properties.
• Certified LinkedIn Marketing Insider, delivering sustainable digital visibility and brand growth for clients.
• Recognized by peers, guests, and corporate partners for integrity, professionalism, creativity, and guest-centric leadership.

Professional Experience

PROCONLIVE (Pty) Ltd – Durban, South Africa

Managing Director | Jan 2022 – Present
Boutique agency producing bespoke conferences, retreats, and brand experiences that integrate sustainability and digital innovation.

• Oversee full-cycle event creation – from concept design and logistics to on-site execution and post-event analysis.
• Cultivate strong client partnerships and design tailored experiential strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Integrate technology to minimize carbon footprint while enhancing attendee engagement.

Achievements: 

• Certified LinkedIn Marketing Insider – advancing clients’ digital sustainability presence.

CRESTWOOD ESTATE – Midlands, KZN

Manager | Feb 2020 – Sep 2021
Ten-suite luxury lodge positioned along the Midlands Meander.

• Managed day-to-day operations, reservations, guest services, and property upkeep with a hands-on leadership style.
• Implemented digital booking systems (OTA’s) and guest communication automation.
• Trained, coached, and inspired staff to deliver consistent five-star guest experiences.

Achievements:

• Generated over R2 million in first-year sales. 
• Maintained 4.8/5 Google rating and earned Booking.com Traveller Award 2021.
• Built a sustainable brand identity and online presence that positioned the property as a top boutique destination in the Midlands.

CURRY’S POST BED & BREAKFAST – Midlands, KZN

Manager | Dec 2017 – Jan 2020
Converted and managed a boutique guesthouse blending modern luxury with country charm.

• Oversaw renovation, design, procurement, and brand establishment of a six-suite B&B.
• Introduced OTA marketing strategy and automated guest communications.
• Hosted domestic and international travellers with personalized, attentive service.

Achievements:

• Exceeded R1 million first-year revenue
• Achieved 9.7/10 Booking.com Traveller Award 2020
• Certificate of Excellence (Afristay).

MAXIMUS ENTERTAINMENT – Durban, South Africa

Managing Director | Mar 2010 – Nov 2017
Experiential marketing and events agency specializing in sports, media, and corporate hospitality.

• Designed and executed creative concepts that combined storytelling, brand engagement, and hospitality.
• Produced large-scale branded events and VIP experiences for leading organizations.
• Negotiated sponsorships, managed budgets, and directed logistics across multi-venue activations.

Achievements:

• Produced The CEO – Leadership in Business & Sport with the Durban Chamber of Commerce during Rugby World Cup 2011.
• Founded Golftraveller Africa, a luxury golf safari concept for international markets.
• Created Santa’s Charity Golf Day and Mandela Day Celebrity Fundraiser raising funds for Childline KZN and Save the Rhino.

JUICED MEDIA GROUP / PLATINUM SPORTS MARKETING – Durban

Director & Co-Founder | 2007 – 2009
Managed commercial hospitality rights, sponsorships, and media productions for professional rugby brands.

Achievements:

• Produced The Captains Table broadcast on SuperSport and international networks.
• Secured multi-year sponsorships exceeding R1 million annually.
• Awarded Best Corporate Hospitality Marquee at the Vodacom Durban July (2009).
• Appointed Rugby World Cup Campaign (2007) Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom.
• Established associations with South African Rugby Legends (SARLA) and the Captains Club.
• Donated funds to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Fund and Club Rugby in South Africa.

Earlier Career Highlights

Self-Employed | Juiced Publishing | Asset Protection International
Roles in financial consulting, publishing, and marketing that honed business development, client service, and leadership fundamentals—laying the groundwork for a career defined by relationship-driven success.

Education & Certifications

Technikon Natal – Durban, South Africa

• National Diploma in Marketing (Distinction in Personal Selling)
• Basic Business Management Diploma (First in Class)

St. John’s College – Harare, Zimbabwe

• A-Levels: Art, Economics & GSE 
• O-Levels: 8 Subjects including English and Mathematics

Certification: LinkedIn Marketing Insider