As a collection of hotels, Sonesta was primarily focused on the US market. At the time I joined the company in 1982, they had five hotels and wanted to expand into emerging markets in Latin America. Working with ownership, we created an opportunity for franchise growth and found a long-term partner with mutual ambitions and similar product standard in the emerging markets of Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Curacao. During my tenure as EVP of Operations, the Sonesta Collection grew adding 18 properties in Latin America Countries. Other market expansion took place in the Middle East and the Caribbean.
The Sonesta Collection was known as a quality hotel company with a good reputation but minimal distribution. Market expansion was key to driving success for the next generation. With little capital resources we looked at our options and focused on foreign markets as a way to increase brand recognition and positioning. Through a solid partnerships with a Latin American company we leverage our name and created a viable and scalable franchise model.
I worked with Felix for over 20 years at Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, where he supervised hotels in the United States, Europe, Middle East, Caribbean and Latin America. He was primarily responsible for Sonesta’s significant international growth of managed and franchised hotels and developed lasting relationships with hotel owners, operators, managers and other travel professionals. Felix knows how to operate profitable hotels while providing guests with a high level of service. I highly recommend Felix as an accomplished hospitality professional who would be an asset to any organization.
