The woman turning the Dolomites into the world’s most exclusive escape

Some places you visit. Others you feel in your soul. For Claudia Rier, owner and founder of Claudia from the Dolomites, this is the foundation of her life’s work. Every curated moment she offers is rooted in her own story, a deep connection to the mountains she calls home, an unwavering respect for heritage, and an instinct for hospitality honed over two decades in the tourism and luxury hotel industry.

Claudia set out to share the Dolomites, authentically, respectfully, and with the kind of care that comes only from living the life you’re inviting others to experience. “My inspiration came from my love for the Dolomites and a desire to authentically share the region’s beauty and heritage,” Claudia says. That passion, woven together with years spent as a Sales and MICE Manager, PR and Events Manager, and General Manager in luxury hotels, shapes every detail she delivers.

Preserving the past while embracing the present

Claudia’s approach to tourism walks a delicate line between safeguarding tradition and enticing modern travellers. It’s a balance that relies on close collaboration with local communities. “It’s about respecting and preserving the traditions and culture while creating innovative, contemporary experiences,” she explains. Guests are invited into the rhythms, flavours, and craft of the Dolomites.

While much of the tourism world still chases volume and must-see itineraries, Claudia does the opposite. Every journey is personal, tailored, and sustainable, rooted in authentic encounters rather than bucket-list bragging rights. This means working hand-in-hand with small family businesses, artisans, and luxury accommodations that embody the region’s character. “The experience is at the heart of what we do, not just ticking off tourist spots,” she says.

The road to success has not been without challenges. One of her biggest challenges was balancing commercial viability with authenticity. A turning point came when she began working closely with both luxury accommodations in the Dolomites and local families to enrich offerings. She also made it her mission to educate travel agents and their clients about respecting the Dolomites’ delicate ecosystem and culture, ensuring that each visit leaves something positive behind.

When travel changes more than itineraries

Claudia works through her clients’ establishments to attract global guests, and the impact is tangible. Guests and travel agents are consistently impressed by the exclusivity, service, and setting of her partners’ properties. And sometimes, the collaborations go beyond expectation. One artisan’s craft workshop for guests revived interest in traditional skills and created a new income stream for their family, an innovation that inspired other local entrepreneurs.

Many of Claudia’s most rewarding collaborations are with SMEs, which she says now have a greater appetite for co-creation than when she started. These partnerships strengthen the local economy, safeguard traditions, and add layers of authenticity to the traveller’s experience. “They bring authenticity and diversity to our offerings,” she says, noting that every job created and every custom preserved is part of tourism’s true impact.

The digital bridge

Even in a hyperconnected age, Claudia is careful to protect the soul of what she offers. She primarily works with travel agents to reach international markets, ensuring that global exposure doesn’t dilute authenticity. Digital tools, from CRM systems and storytelling platforms to personalised newsletters, help streamline operations while keeping the narrative deeply personal. For SMEs in remote destinations, she advises, “Focus on authentic storytelling, share real experiences, behind-the-scenes moments, and local stories that resonate emotionally.”

Also, sustainability is non-negotiable for Claudia. All her clients are green certified or operate in environmentally responsible ways. But she’s quick to point out that responsible travel is a shared duty. “It also depends on our guests to behave responsibly and respectfully while enjoying our mountain destinations. Together, hosts and visitors can ensure the Dolomites remain pristine for generations,” she says.

As a woman entrepreneur in a niche, high-touch travel space, Claudia has learned that patience, authenticity, and perseverance are her greatest tools. Trust takes time to build, especially in luxury travel. Empathy and collaboration form the backbone of her leadership style, even when challenges loom large.

A model for the world

Claudia’s dream is to make the Dolomites a model for responsible tourism. That means expanding sustainable, community-rooted experiences and inspiring other regions to do the same. “Platforms like Together in Travel can provide valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and shared resources. They help amplify local stories, connect SMEs with a broader audience, and foster collaboration, making it easier to stay competitive and innovative in a global market,” Claudia says.

Her message to other SMEs hoping to transform local treasures into global offerings is to focus on storytelling and authenticity, as building genuine connections with their audience creates loyalty and helps offerings stand out.

And perhaps that’s the real lesson in Claudia’s journey, that in a world chasing speed, scale, and spectacle, there’s immense power in slowing down, digging deeper, and offering something real. In the end, the most luxurious souvenir a traveller can take home is the feeling of having truly belonged, if only for a moment, to a place worth protecting.

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