Morrissey previously was vice president of operations � Latin America � for Utell International, where she oversaw seven Latin American offices. She also has been regional director for Utell International and a U.S.-based hotel consultant with a specialty in marketing strategies for Latin American Hotels.
In her new post, Morrissey will oversee all sales and marketing activities for Atlantica Hotels International�s 13 operating hotels. She also will supervise sales and marketing planning activities for the company�s 53 hotels presently under development.

�Annie brings broad-based global marketing experience and proven leadership skills to Atlantica Hotels International,� said Sistare. �With this company�s fast-paced growth in South America, we believe Annie is well-suited to lead the company�s aggressive sales and marketing efforts.�

Atlantica Hotels has recently expanded to the four- to five-star hotel segment with the addition of the Four Points by Sheraton in Brazil�s southeastern city of Curitiba. The company also recently added the Quality Resort Lins, a 114-room resort 180 miles west of São Paulo. Atlantica will continue to expand in the three- to four-star segment.

Since its formation in 1998, Atlantica Hotels International is South America�s first independent hospitality management company to operate multiple brands. Based in São Paulo, Atlantica Hotels International has more than $675 million in assets under management. The company is adding an average of two contracts per month and is opening one new hotel approximately every 20 days. While Atlantica Hotels International will continue hotel development and operation throughout South America, primary development efforts will be focused on the countries of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.