Miami, Florida – The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with ALIS Caribbean Latin America (ALIS CALA) presented Paola Durán, Senior Corporate Affairs Analyst at GHL, with the prestigious Rising Star Award CALA at the ALIS CALA conference.
Paola has quickly distinguished herself as one of the most impactful rising professionals in Latin America’s hospitality industry. In just a few years, she has played a central role in building and strengthening the legal and corporate governance framework behind GHL’s operations, supporting more than 60 hotels and over 70 investment vehicles across 10 countries.
Known for her sharp legal acumen and strategic mindset, Paola has contributed to complex, high-value transactions and key expansion initiatives, including landmark hotel deals and the company’s continued growth into new markets. Her work ensures the strong legal foundations that enable partnerships, investment, and development across the region, making her an essential force behind GHL’s success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Paola’s story reflects exceptional determination and drive. From earning scholarships and funding her own education to advancing rapidly within her field, she exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. She is also recognized for her collaborative approach and her ability to elevate those around her, making a meaningful impact both within her organization and across the broader hospitality community.
“This recognition is a confirmation that the work I have been building is valued not only by GHL but by the industry as a whole,” shared Paola, “It is the result of believing in my potential and proving that being young and a woman has been a strength along the way, allowing me to build credibility.”
Paola stands out not only for her professional accomplishments, but for the integrity that defines how she approaches her work and relationships. She operates with a level of trust, accountability, and consistency that is rare at any stage of a career. Her ability to lead with both principle and purpose, while navigating complex challenges across markets, makes her a powerful example of what this next generation of leaders can be. We are proud to recognize Paola as a Rising Star
ISHC CEO Andrea Belfanti
The Rising Star Award CALA is a cornerstone of ALIS CALA, highlighting the future leaders of our industry. Paola’s influence and dedication to GHL and the broader Latin American hotel industry are truly commendable. She embodies the spirit of a rising star, and we congratulate her on this prestigious achievement as she continues her promising journey.
Jonathon S Zink, COO of the Hotel Investment Group by Northstar
This is the sixteenth year ISHC and the Hotel Investment Group by Northstar have collaborated to recognize young, talented leadership in the Caribbean and Latin American regions. Paola Durán was honored with the award during the plenary session of ALIS CALA, held at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.
Nominations for the award were required to meet the following criteria:
Is 35 years of age or younger, born on or after April 30, 1990
Is currently, and has been, working in a hospitality-related field
Is recognized by leaders in the hospitality field as a rising star
Is currently living and working in the Caribbean or Latin America with a minimum of two years’ experience in the market
Respected executives from across the Caribbean and Latin America reviewed a shortlist of nomination forms of outstanding candidates before voting on the winner.
About ALIS Caribbean and Latin America (ALIS CALA)
The newly launched event, called ALIS Caribbean Latin America (ALIS CALA), debuted on April 29-May 1, 2025 (Tuesday-Thursday) at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. The merger of the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA) conferences into ALIS CALA creates an enriched and more comprehensive conference experience for sponsors and attendees alike, bringing together the best of both events. This approach has lead to the overall continued growth and collaboration connecting investors, owners, and developers throughout the vibrant Caribbean and Latin American regions and the continued focus on local equity, debt, and development firms will ensure that ALIS CALA remains a key platform for fostering connections and driving growth in the region. ALIS CALA is produced by Northstar Travel Group’s Hotel Investment Group. Visit the ALIS CALA website for more information.
About Northstar Travel Group (www.northstartravelgroup.com)
Northstar Travel Group is the leading B-to-B media company providing information and marketing solutions for the global travel industry. The company owns 14 media brands connecting 1.3m industry professionals through a comprehensive portfolio of digital, social, print and more than 100 events in 13 countries. Northstar Travel Group is owned by JTB. Northstar Travel Group is based in Rutherford, NJ, and more information is available at northstartravelgroup.com.
About the Hotel Investment Group by Northstar
The Hotel Investment Group by Northstar is a global leader in convening the hotel investment community through high-impact conferences and insight-driven media. With more than three decades of experience, the group has produced over 190 events worldwide, attracting more than 130,000 senior executives, investors, and decision-makers. Its portfolio includes the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), ALIS Law, ALIS DESIGN+, ALIS CALA, and the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP).
About Northstar Journey Group
Northstar Journey Group is the main info providers, occasion, knowledge, and advertising options firm serving the worldwide journey trade. Northstar’s in depth viewers covers all segments of journey, together with leisure, enterprise, conferences, sports activities, incentives, hospitality, and journey know-how. Northstar can also be the bulk shareholder in Inntopia, the main e-commerce software program, advertising cloud, and enterprise intelligence firm serving the mountain vacation spot, golf, actions, and hospitality markets. Primarily based in Rutherford, NJ, the corporate has 5 places of work throughout the U.S., UK, and Singapore. For extra details about Northstar’s options, audiences, and types, go to www.northstartravelgroup.com. Northstar Journey Group is owned by funds managed by EagleTree Capital.
