Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Jose Cagide Braojos
Hi Maria Jose, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Mexico City and was raised in Cuernavaca, a place known as “The City of Eternal Spring.” After traveling with my parents as a kid, I developed an early passion for hospitality and travel when I was just an 8-year-old girl. That passion led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, where I laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong dedication to the tourism industry. My first professional experience was at the Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, a place that truly shaped my understanding of creating unforgettable experiences for guests. From the personalized service to the “wow” moments crafted for each visitor, I learned firsthand how hospitality can enrich people’s lives and leave lasting impressions.
This commitment to creating meaningful experiences eventually led me to the travel-tech world. I began my journey with Peek Pro. and later joined GetYourGuide, where I spent five impactful years developing the Mexico and Latin America markets on the GetYourGuide Marketplace. Today, as part of GetYourGuide’s Ticketing Solutions team, I am proud to continue working toward our mission of connecting travelers with unforgettable experiences. I believe that travel feeds the soul in a unique way; the “wow” moments we experience while exploring new places can add profound meaning and inspiration to our lives.
Alongside my professional career, I recently launched “Mexas In Miami” (@mexasinmia), an Instagram community dedicated to promoting and supporting Mexican businesses, projects, services, and entrepreneurs in Miami. It’s about building a network where we can easily find and support each other, keeping our community connected and encouraging everyone to buy within the community. It has been amazing to see people come together and celebrate what we bring to Miami!
Reflecting on my career, it’s become clear that I want to take everything I’ve learned and apply it to something of my own creation in the future—something that embodies my vision of tourism as a tool for community empowerment and cultural connection. In the future I want to design tours that not only entertain but also make a meaningful impact on local communities, showcasing the richness of each city’s culture through its stories, flavors, and people.
This will be an opportunity to bring everything I’ve learned since I was that curious 8-year-old girl to life and create something that sparks joy and delivers transformative experiences for both travelers and locals alike.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Constant change has been a big part of my journey. One of the biggest transitions was moving from my home country, Mexico, to San Francisco and later to Miami, where I now live and absolutely love. Each move brought new challenges, from adapting to different cultures and environments to building a new professional network in an unfamiliar place. But every change also came with growth, and I learned to embrace each transition as an opportunity to push myself beyond my comfort zone.
One of the hardest periods was during the pandemic, which deeply affected the tourism industry. Like so many in this field, I witnessed the severe impact it had on tour operators and businesses around the world. However, working with resilient, passionate people and staying connected as a team helped us navigate those challenges. We came together, adapted, and found innovative solutions to help our partners go through the hard times. That shared commitment and resilience reminded me why I love this industry and deepened my dedication to helping it recover and flourish.
Looking back, I see that every challenge was a learning opportunity. Whether it was adapting to a new country or overcoming the global pandemic, I’ve always believed in taking those difficulties and turning them into opportunities and moments of growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked with tour operators, big attractions, and innovators throughout Mexico and Latin America, helping them expand their visibility, reach international audiences, and embrace technology to grow their businesses. I have also developed regional strategies and built strong relationships that have drive growth for tours, activities and attractions. Currently, as part of the GetYourGuide Ticketing Solutions team, I’m focused on offering high-impact solutions that allow tours and attractions to thrive in a digital world. Witnessing our partners succeed and seeing their impact on travelers and communities is what fuels my dedication.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way. My partners describe me as a reliable, knowledgeable ally who approaches challenges with a personalized, results-driven strategy. I don’t just work for my clients; I work with them, focusing on building meaningful, sustainable growth for each business I support.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to develop and implement tailored strategies based on deep market insights and close relationships with partners. Whether at GetYourGuide or Peek, I’ve always prioritized understanding each partner’s unique needs, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to optimize their product’s performance and maximize their bookings.
Beyond my role at GetYourGuide, founding “Mexas In Miami” has been a profound way for me to contribute to my community. This project reflects my dedication to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering a network that thrives on mutual support and cultural pride.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my combination of strategic insight, a hands-on approach to relationship building, and a passion for empowering local businesses and communities. I don’t just focus on numbers—I focus on creating real, sustainable growth that benefits everyone involved.
My passion lies in working with partners who create experiences that not only spark joy in travelers but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the communities that host them. In the future, I want to take everything I’ve learned and apply it to something of my own creation—something that embodies my vision of tourism as a tool for community empowerment and cultural connection. I want to design tours in Miami and other emerging cities that not only entertain but also make a meaningful impact on local communities, showcasing the richness of each city’s culture through its stories, flavors, and people.
My goal is to create travel experiences that foster real connections and leave both travelers and the communities they visit enriched.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Adaptability has been my greatest strength, paired with a creative approach to every challenge. In the tourism industry, which is constantly evolving, it’s essential to adapt quickly and think outside the box. Moving from Mexico to new environments in San Francisco and Miami taught me to thrive amid change, and the pandemic brought out the need for creative problem-solving and innovation.
For me, adaptability isn’t just about changing with the times; it’s about using each shift as a chance to grow, improve, and find new, impactful ways to connect with others. This blend of adaptability and creativity has helped me build strong relationships, create lasting partnerships, and stay ahead in a dynamic, ever-evolving industry.
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