Benchmark Hospitality International has announced that Juan Carlos Contalba, director of international development for the leading private hospitality management company, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association (HHOA).  Benchmark Hospitality is a charter member of the association, and last year was voted “Hispanic Hotel Company of the Year” in HHOA’s prestigious Estrella Awards competition. Burt Cabanas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, made the announcement. Mr. Contalba has extensive international experience, with special expertise in the United States, Europe, Caribbean, Central and South American markets.  He launched his career in the hospitality industry during the early days of Benchmark Hospitality International. Subsequently, after earning a law degree and working in the international legal industry for many years, he rejoined Benchmark Hospitality in 2007 with responsibilities for Benchmark's international development initiatives.