Hospitality Veteran Joins Sales Team at Sheraton Orlando North
ORLANDO, FL, March 21, 2006. Raquel Rivera has been named sales manager at the new Sheraton Orlando North at Maitland Center. She brings to her position nearly a decade of experience in the North Orlando, Fla., hospitality market.
"Raquel's expertise in the sports and social markets, combined with her extensive involvement with North Orlando community and business groups, will prove invaluable as we build the area's premier hotel and conference facility." says Peter Valenzuela, general manager, Sheraton Orlando North. "We're delighted to have her on board as part of our growing team."
Before joining the new Sheraton, Raquel served as sports and social manager at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotels, Lake Mary, Fla. She was responsible for sales to the sports and social markets, including weddings; family reunions; bar mitzvahs; sweet sixteen parties, and la quincea~nera, the sweet 15 party symbolizing the beginning of womanhood in Latin communities worldwide. While she was with Homewood Suites, group sales and overall occupancy rose. The hotel achieved a leadership position in revenue per available room in this upscale, suburban Orlando market.
Prior to Homewood Suites, Raquel was sales manager with Courtyard by Marriott/Orlando Maitland, Fla., joining the hotel when it opened in 1998. During her five years there, the property achieved occupancy rates above the industry average, ranging from high 70 - low 80 percent. Raquel was responsible for group sales at the 112-room hotel. She worked closely with community, religious and sports organizations, including Seminole Community College, churches and country clubs. Her initiatives contributed to successful fundraisers at the hotel as well for Children's Miracle Network and Arnold Palmer Hospital.
"Sheraton presents an opportunity to build North Orlando's leading full-service conference hotel," Raquel explains. "The property will have vast meeting space and exceptional amenities -- full-service spa, high-end restaurant, bar, lounge, cool pool with water features, game room and much more. I'm pleased to be part of this dynamic hotel from the ground up."
A 20-year North Orlando resident, Raquel graduated from Evans High School. The Maitland resident has a long history of involvement in community and professional associations, with memberships in: the Maitland Chamber of Commerce, Maitland Historical Society, Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International, National Business Travel Association, Seminole County's Tourism Development Council and Orlando Team Sports. Raquel is the proud mother of two school-age boys, who are active in school and community sports. In her free time, Raquel enjoys time with family and friends, including Sunday dinners with her parents, who also live in Maitland.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
