�I am very proud of my staff, because I know it is extremely difficult for those who are non-native English speakers or have never worked in the United States to receive this certificate. Worldwide, approximately 10 percent of hotel management executives have received the CHA,� said Paul J. Sistare, CHA, president and CEO of Atlantica Hotels. �The CHA designation also demonstrates Atlantica Hotels� commitment to its investors, guests, and collaborators to provide the best professionals in hotel management.�  

Sistare and Christer Holtze, CHA, senior vice president of operations, are the only other Atlantica Hotels executives to hold the CHA.  Sistare is also a board member of AH&LA�s Educational Institute.     
                 
Carlos Eduardo Santos considers the certification an important technical improvement for his career and for the development of successful results. �This is the United States� most respected institution for the education and training of hospitality professionals.  I am now better able to apply the knowledge I had in theory, especially regarding income management and development of results,� said Santos. 

According to Rachel Golfetto, the CHA was a challenge that she decided to face in order to improve herself as a hospitality professional, particularly to meet the international standards of Atlantica Hotels. �Until the moment I started to study for the test I had no theoretical skills in this area. The course not only provided my specific expertise but it also provided a high level knowledge and personal development,� said Golfetto. �I am eager for new challenges.  I believe I was able to put in practice a great part of what I have learned and I think that this award represents the company´s recognition of my work,� Golfetto stated.
Roberto Bertino, who has worked for Atlantica Hotels for two years, also highlighted the worldwide recognition that the course provides. �In addition to the international prestige that the CHA has, the working material encompasses several areas in the field of hospitality, adding specific knowledge of several sectors, promoting a macro vision,� stated Bertino.

CHA candidates receive a comprehensive self-study guide that provides a thorough overview of the CHA exam material, along with practice questions and a self-inventory to help candidates evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Topics covered in the study guide include: human resources, accounting/cost control, rooms division, engineering and property management, food and beverage, marketing and sales, management and general administration. Those who successfully complete the exam are awarded a framed certificate and jeweled lapel pin.  Additional jewels are added when CHA designees complete recertification requirements every five years. 

For additional information about the Educational Institute�s Certified Hotel Administrator program and other professional certification programs for hospitality personnel, call 407-999-8100 or visit www.ei-ahla.org. 
 
Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Educational Institute�s mission is to support AH&LA by becoming the preferred provider to the lodging industry, hospitality schools, and related hospitality industries both domestically and internationally by developing and providing quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals.
 
Headquartered in São Paulo, Atlantica Hotels is the first and only independent hotel management company in South America.  Atlantica has strategic alliances with Choice Hotels International (Sleep Inn, Comfort, Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn Quality, Quality Suites and Clarion with exclusive representation in Brazil) as well as the North American groups of Starwood (Four Points by Sheraton), Carlson Companies (Regent, Radisson, Park Suites and Park Inn) and operates its own proprietary brands of Go Inn and The Atlantica Collection. 
 
Founded in 1998, Atlantica Hotels has over 80 projects signed with 52 in operation totaling an investment of more than USD$800 million together with its partners.  The group has over 10,000 rooms open and is present in all the principal regions of Brazil.  All the hotels offer the exclusive 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, international levels of quality service, reasonable prices and rooms especially designed for the business or leisure traveler.  Atlantica was recently recognized by Ameríca Economia as one of the �25 Best Employers in South America� for the second year in a row.  

Elizabeth Johnson
Marketing Manager, Academic and Specialized Markets
517-318-2359
[email protected]
www.ei-ahla.org