Steve Belmonte has held executive positions with major hotel companies for 40 years, including almost tripling the size of Ramada Worldwide (from 400 to 1,100 properties in the U.S. alone) during his time as President & CEO from 1991-2002.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Steve Belmonte has been with Advantage Hotels, Inc. (AHI) as a shareholder, senior advisor and member of the Executive Board of Directors since the hotel company’s formation in June. But now he will be taking a more active role by focusing on the expansion of AHI’s Vista brand.
Belmonte has held executive positions with major hotel companies for 40 years, including almost tripling the size of Ramada Worldwide (from 400 to 1,100 properties in the U.S. alone) during his time as President & CEO from 1991-2002. Rather than ride into the sunset following such an illustrious career, he has opted to help develop a brand he thinks has such phenomenal opportunities for hotel owners.
“I have never in my long career been so excited to be involved with a company like this, and what I like best is the new-and-improved Vista brand. President & CEO Patrick Mullinix is building something unique and great, and I am thrilled to be part of the journey.
“While Patrick has had unprecedented success in the economy sector, I have always worked in the mid-to-upper mid tier, which is where the Vista brand is positioned. Most of my past client base has been in this sector, so this clearly makes sense,” said Belmonte.
The Vista Hotel brand is positioned in the upper midscale segment, while Vista Inn and Vista Inn & Suites are midscale options. The brands are designed for full- or limited-service hotel owners who demand performance from a franchisor – those who are highly engaged and willing to contribute and share in reaching goals through communication, trust and relationships.
Vista owners enjoy reasonable fees and standards; cost-efficient, advanced technology and distribution; complete property support; and customized marketing and reservation solutions. They’re also a valued member of the AHI family, not just a franchisee number.
“As one of the top former hotel CEOs, Steve was instrumental in the formation of AHI. He and I have known each other for a long time and we share the same vision of offering a unique approach to franchising. I consider him an industry icon and innovator, and am so pleased that he is helping us realize our goal of making Vista into a powerhouse midscale brand,” said Mullinix.
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