As Hyatt Inclusive Collection Vice President of Development, Fernando Fernandez leverages almost four decades of experience in hotel operations, consultancy, and development to accelerate the group’s expansion goals in key markets. Fernando is responsible for increasing Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection footprint in the Caribbean and Latin America by securing partnerships with hotel owners and developers in these high-demand markets.

Prior to joining Hyatt, Fernando spent sixteen years as Vice President of Development for Apple Leisure Group (ALG) and Meliá Hotels International in Europe, across the Americas and the Caribbean. During his tenure, Fernando successfully negotiated high-profile additions to Apple Leisure Group and Meliá’s management portfolio, including Dreams Macao, chosen Best Caribbean Development at the CHRIS Conference in 2019, Zoetry Marigot Bay in St. Lucia, adding a new destination to AMResorts brands, Meliá Jamaica, which introduced Spain’s largest hotel company to the English Caribbean. He also oversaw the addition of Me Miami and Meliá Cartagena de Indias in Colombia among others.

In addition to his work with Apple Leisure Group and Meliá Hotels International, Fernando managed key accounts for LRA Worldwide, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Latin America), Grupo Posadas (México), Interstate Hotels & Resorts (USA), Accor Hotels (Latin América), Pestana Hotels & Resorts (Portugal), Delta Hotels (Canada) and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts (India).

Fernando received a degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from Escuela Official de Turismo in Madrid, Spain, before acquiring additional training in Hotel Management at the Hotel Institute Montreux in Switzerland. Fernando graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina, earning a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.