Hugo Lecanda Appointed to Oversee Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita Markets in Dual Role

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (October 1, 2024) - The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta and are pleased to receive Hugo Lecanda as the new Multi-Property General Manager for these iconic sister resorts. Furthermore to the aforementioned role, Lecanda will also serve as Area General Manager overseeing additional properties in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita to ensure collaboration and synergy to enhance guest experiences across the region.

Lecanda’s impressive career spans 29 years in the luxury segment with 19 of those dedicated to Marriott International across the Americas and Europe. Throughout his career he has held executive positions with JW, Westin, and Marriott brands in Mexico and Ecuador and has served as General Manager for Ritz Carlton properties in Cancun, Budapest, and Tenerife, Spain, noted as one of the largest resorts in Europe. In this new role, Hugo anticipates bringing his wealth of expertise to not only the GM position for the Marriott and Westin Puerto Vallarta properties, but also on a regional level as Area General Manager. He provides an immediate commitment to finding new ways to improve upon current operations and guest engagement standards, as well as unifying all local properties to enhance collaboration on initiatives. 

“The west coast of Mexico and specifically, Puerto Vallarta, continues to thrive, offering visitors a strong tourism infrastructure without losing its charm as an authentic Mexican city,” stated Lecanda. “The Marriott and Westin properties in Puerto Vallarta are iconic and synonymous with the beauty of the destination and are entering a new chapter, one that I feel honored to usher them into and guide as we prepare to share news in the new year and beyond.” 

Hugo earned his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Liverpool and embraces his new role after most recently spending four years as the Global Director of Operations for Palladium Hotel Group’s BLESS Collection brand in Spain. Lecanda is also the co-chair of the Business Council of the Jalisco and Nayarit regions in Mexico. 

“We look forward to the leadership of  Hugo as we finalize our multi-phase, nature-centric renovations at The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta and prepare for a news-filled year at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa,” stated Elsa Perez, Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing. “The team is committed to meeting the expectation of today’s travelers as they immerse themselves in the destination in more meaningful, impactful ways and Hugo will be a huge part of ensuring we achieve this day over day with his insight and wide range of experience to serve as a guide and resource.”

About Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is situated on a sandy strip along Banderas Bay, against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains. A Pacific beachfront retreat for couples, families and groups, the resort offers 433 rooms and suites, the expansive Ohtli Spa inspired in the ancient Huichol culture, six restaurants, coffee shop, Kids’ Club and Puerto Vallarta's largest infinity pool boasting a two story swim-up bar with a full 180-degree view of Banderas Bay. Programming highlights include a sea turtle release program available for guests to participate during June-October through the resort's conservation initiative. A charming, friendly town with an authentic Mexican vibe, Puerto Vallarta offers a vibrant culinary and arts scene, highlighted by local festivals such as the Day of the Dead, Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival and the Guadalupe Processions, honoring the town’s patron saint. For more information, visit www.puertovallartamarriott.com. 

About The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta

Located mere minutes away from Puerto Vallarta's international airport and bustling marina, former palm tree farm-turned wellness resort The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta sits on Mexico’s Pacific coast overlooking the sparkling Banderas Bay. The serene family and pet-friendly property is known for its stunning pools boasting hundreds of palms, wide variety of healthy dining options including mocktails and vegan items, and engaging outdoor offerings i.e seaside meditations, boho picnics, and celebration tables which are designed for larger groups of all kinds. The Westin PV encourages a connection between guests and their surrounding natural environment, as part of their ongoing two-phase, multi-million dollar refresh into 2025 which will provide guests with new culinary experiences, innovative sustainable and wellness-oriented activities, swim up rooms, a renovated gym and spa, and more. The resort is also slated to become The Westin brand’s first all-inclusive resort in Mexico by 2025. Learn more here.