International tourism and a new Alumni chapter in Romania

Anyone speaking with Ana Goicea quickly realises that, for her, travel is about far more than destinations, hotels or flight routes. At its heart, tourism is about people, connections and shared experiences. This philosophy has shaped her entire professional journey.

After completing her bachelor degree in Bucharest, Ana chose to continue her studies at IMC Krems, where she enrolled in the former Tourism and Leisure Management master programme and earned a Double Degree. The international study environment in Krems and Madrid laid the foundation for a career that is now defined by international partnerships, strategic communication and the creation of high-quality travel experiences.

Following several positions within the tourism industry, she took on responsibilities in sales, public relations and management at Cocktail Holidays. Today, she works as a Luxury Travel Consultant at Accent Travel & Events in Bucharest, advising both private and corporate clients on bespoke travel experiences.

In this interview, Ana reflects on her time at IMC Krems, shares insights into her professional journey and explains why building the IMC Alumni community in Romania is particularly close to her heart. “IMC Krems reinforced the importance of international perspectives,” says Ana.

Ana Goicea in her own words

What motivated you to choose IMC Krems for your studies?

Even as a young student, I was determined to gain international experience and broaden my horizons beyond the borders of my home country. I started actively pursuing this ambition at the age of 16.
The programme particularly appealed to me because of its international focus and strong practical orientation. In fact, IMC Krems was the only university I applied to. I was especially attracted by the opportunity to explore different perspectives on tourism and management while studying in a truly international environment.

Studying alongside people from different cultural backgrounds broadens your horizons and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. Living and learning with people from around the world demonstrates how enriching diversity can be and highlights the importance of intercultural understanding — not only in everyday life, but also in professional environments where collaboration and global perspectives are essential for success.

What are your strongest memories of your time at IMC Krems?

Above all, it is the people I remember most. I had the opportunity to meet fellow students from many different countries and build friendships that continue to this day. I also look back fondly on the project work, the stimulating academic discussions and the international atmosphere on campus. These experiences broadened my perspective and shaped me both personally and professionally.

I also vividly remember recognising the wide range of tourism and business opportunities that already existed in the Krems and Danube region at the time. Themed wine and culinary routes, visits to monasteries, abbeys and churches, cycling tours along the Danube, river cruises and numerous local festivals, such as the famous Apricot Festival, all showcase the region’s remarkable tourism potential.

For me, this was a powerful example of how tourism can flourish almost anywhere when creativity, regional identity and innovative thinking come together. It also highlighted the important role that new ideas and concepts can play in supporting the sustainable development of a region.

A career in international tourism

Today you hold a leading position in the luxury travel sector. How has your career developed since graduation?

Like many graduates, my career began with entry-level responsibilities and a strong willingness to learn. Step by step, I took on greater responsibility and embraced increasingly complex challenges. Every new role represented an opportunity to find solutions, grow professionally and continue developing as a person.

Alongside my professional work, I have invested significant time in continuous learning. I have expanded my knowledge of geography, destinations, cultures and religions around the world. Travelling to these destinations and engaging directly with local communities has been particularly valuable, enabling me to deepen my expertise while gaining a broader understanding of different cultures.

I also make a conscious effort to stay informed about political developments and current industry trends. Tourism is interconnected with political, economic and social developments, making it essential to understand the wider context in which our industry operates. Being well informed allows me to better understand complex issues and contribute meaningfully to professional discussions.

Foreign languages have also played a crucial role throughout my career. They have enabled me to connect with people from all over the world, and I hope to continue learning additional languages in the future.

From an early stage, I realised that the luxury travel sector was the perfect fit for me. It requires exceptional service orientation, meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to creating truly memorable experiences.

For me, professional success is the result of continuous learning, personal growth and a willingness to stay curious and informed throughout one’s career.

Which skills and competencies gained during your studies still support you in your everyday professional life?

My studies provided me with a strong academic foundation, but perhaps more importantly, they strengthened my intercultural competence. Learning in an international environment taught me to think openly, appreciate different perspectives and adapt confidently to new situations.

I continue to benefit from the language skills, communication abilities and understanding of international markets and cultures that I developed during my studies. In luxury travel, these competencies are indispensable, as every client has unique expectations and requires a high level of professionalism, empathy and service excellence.

My time at IMC Krems also taught me the importance of lifelong learning — a mindset that continues to guide me in my professional life today.

You are becoming the first Alumni Ambassador for Romania and will be establishing a new Alumni Chapter. What does this role mean to you?

For me, this role is both an honour and a responsibility. As the first Alumni Ambassador for Romania, I want to help create an open and engaged community where people can exchange ideas, learn from one another and support each other's professional and personal development.

I hope to bring people together, encourage new professional opportunities, share developments and trends from both the national and international tourism sectors, and foster a network that inspires fresh ideas, meaningful collaborations and successful business ventures.

What advice would you like to give to current students and recent graduates?

My advice is to remain open-minded, think beyond conventional boundaries and embrace opportunities both internationally and within your local environment.

I would also encourage students and graduates to build a career that genuinely fulfils them rather than focusing solely on finding a job. Equally important is investing in a strong professional network, as valuable relationships often open unexpected doors.

Openness towards different cultures, continuous personal development and lifelong learning are more important than ever, especially in an industry that is constantly evolving. Be curious, embrace innovation and remain open to new technologies that are shaping our sector and creating exciting opportunities. A supportive community can enrich not only your professional journey but also lead to lasting friendships and meaningful personal connections.

A new chapter for IMC Alumni in Romania

In her new role as Alumni Ambassador, Ana Goicea is taking on an important responsibility within the global IMC Krems alumni network. Together with fellow graduates, she aims to establish the first Alumni Chapter in Romania and create a platform that enables former students to connect, exchange experiences and support one another.

Strong networks begin with genuine connections

With her international outlook, extensive experience in the tourism industry and passion for building meaningful relationships, Ana brings all the qualities needed to succeed in her new role. The new Alumni Chapter in Romania marks another important step in the continued growth of the global IMC alumni community, creating fresh opportunities for networking, collaboration and shared success.
One thing is already certain: for Ana Goicea, this marks the beginning of another exciting chapter in a career that has always been characterised by openness, international perspectives and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with people.

Would you like to become part of the new Alumni Chapter in Bucharest/Romania or get in touch with Ana Goicea? We would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the IMC Krems Alumni Relations team at alumni_club(at)imc.ac.at

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