HOUSTON, May 25, 2010 -- A new global organization dedicated to expanding Latino ownership, leadership and commerce in the hotel industry was launched today.  Called the Latino Hotel Association (LHA), the group will focus on supporting Latinos through education about ownership/development, management and leadership; hosting international and regional conferences; and networking with hotel corporations and suppliers.  Founding sponsors include Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotel Group and Wyndham Hotel Group.  Founding supporters include Carlson Hotels Worldwide, Choice Hotels International, Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

"The Latino community has established a foothold in the hotel industry, but the full potential remains largely untapped," said Angela Gonzales-Rowe, president and founder of LHA.  "Latinos are a small, but growing, force in hotel ownership and leadership in the U.S., and opportunities for hotels in Latin America are poised for rapid expansion.  Prospects for Latinos in Europe, Africa and Asia also offer great potential.  LHA's role is to educate and assist the global Latino community in playing a much larger role in the industry, including development/ ownership, leadership in hotel operations and growth in the number of Latino-owned suppliers."

LHA also will speak out on issues that affect Latinos and the hotel industry and work closely with organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association to communicate the Latino community's concerns and recommendations to Congress and other governmental bodies.

About the Latino Hotel Association
Headquartered in suburban Houston, LHA is a worldwide, non-profit association dedicated to increasing Latino participation in the hospitality industry, to include ownership, leadership and commerce.  The organization provides education, international and regional conferences and networking opportunities with the leading hotel companies in the world.  Additional information is available at the association's website, www.latinohotelassociation.org.