The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2010 � Benchmark Hospitality International has named Maria Corona director of sales for Marenas Resort, the luxurious ocean-side property situated on a barrier island in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, just north of Miami.  Courtney Lowe, regional vice president sales & marketing, made the announcement.
 
�I am delighted to welcome Maria to Marenas Resort and to the Benchmark Hospitality family,� said Mr. Lowe.  �She brings nearly two decades of hospitality experience to her new role, coupled with significant Florida market knowledge.  She is a terrific addition to our team.�
 
Over the past 20 years, Maria Corona has experienced significant success in developing productive relationships with the group meeting and individual guest markets.  She was previously senior sales manager for One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, located in Bal Harbour, Florida, where she actively grew leisure and group sales revenues.  Prior to this appointment, she served as director of sales and marketing for All Conventions, LLC of Aventure, Florida.  While in this position, she streamlined departmental expenses and developed new products to meet the growing needs of the corporate group market.  
 
Ms. Corona has held the title of sales manager for international groups and the FIT market for The Westin Diplomat Hotel of Hollywood, Florida.  She also served as meeting group coordinator and sales manager for the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Miami.
 
Earlier in her career, Ms. Corona gained international hospitality experience working in positions of increasing responsibility for The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Forte Grand Pyramids in Cairo, and in Venezuela for Norwegian Cruise Lines out of Caracas and the Intercontinental Hotel Valencia.
 
Maria Corona received her Master of Arts in Tourism and Hotel Management from Escuela Superior de Turismo Sol (UNED) in Madrid.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel Management and Culinary Arts from the same institution.  Ms. Corona is resides in Sunny Isles, Florida.
 
About Marenas Resort
Situated on a 2.5 mile stretch of beach in Sunny Isles Beach, a barrier island just north of Miami, Marenas Resort  blends the best of South Florida�s �Riviera Coast� with an international style.  Marenas Resort�s name draws from its location, evoking the sea and the sand ~ mar y arenas ~ in Spanish. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and operated by Benchmark Hospitality International, the 26-story stainless steel and glass hotel tower includes 160 guestrooms and one- and two-bedroom suites, each with a full kitchen and spacious contemporary interiors. Amenities include a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, oceanside pool, beach club, luxurious spa, health club and elegant meeting space. For reservations, please call a travel agent professional or 1-877-858-2305.  Visit www.marenasresortmiami.com
 
About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels�.  The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut.  International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark�s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.