Carlos M. Molinet
Senior Vice President
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Carlos M. Molinet, CHAAs for the last four years, Carlos M. Molinet has both led and supported initiatives that make tourism a $11.4 billion industry for Broward County, Florida.
He has over 25 years of experience in hotel administration, including operations and general manager positions at properties flagged by Starwood and Wyndham, as well as lead and area manager positions at Hyatt and Hilton hotels. Among the prestigious properties he was General Manager of in the U.S. and the Caribbean are the Hyatt Regency Pier 66, Westin Providence, Wyndham Old San Juan Hotel and Casino, and Palmas Del Mar Beach Resort.
Carlos has been recognized for his leadership by many travel and hospitality organizations. He received the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International General Manager of the Year Award in 2009, and the Leadership Award from the American Hospitality & Lodging Association in 2010, in recognition of his work with the Florida Restaurant Lodging Association. Carlos received the Profiles in Leadership honor from Leadership Broward in 2015. Prior to becoming Senior VP of the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Carlos served for seven years on the Broward County Tourism Development Council, spearheading ideas, reviewing and voting on the annual tourism budgets and marketing programs for Broward County. This combination of experience, recognition and service gives Carlos the unique talents that can help tourism prosper and grow in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Having been named a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, he thoroughly understands the business of hotel partners, restaurants and tourism attractions.
Carlos carries the Greater Fort Lauderdale “Hello Sunny” vision and branding in speaking engagements throughout Broward County and the United States. His mantra “It all starts with a visit” has been adopted by economic development groups throughout South Florida.
Entrenched in our community, Carlos serves or has served on the following boards and committees:
• Mission United, Vice Chair of the Advisory Council
• Mission United, Outreach Committee Chair
• United Way, Development Committee Chair of Media & Entertainment
• Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Executive Committee 2011-2012
• Broward Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Past President & Chair
• Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Executive Committee
• McFatter Advisory Council Membership
• Visit Florida Industry Relations Committee
• Alumnus of Leadership Broward Class XXVI
Giving and giving back are a part of Carlos’ style. He is an author and motivational speaker on topics that range from world-class client service and team building to time/stress management. His book “Running through Life, from Adversity to Possibility”describes the positive attitude he brings to his daily work.
Carlos currently lives in Davie, Florida, with his wife, Dr. Silvia Garcia-Molinet, who is a successful clinical psychologist. He has two accomplished adult daughters, Alexandria and Kimberly. Carlos runs several times per year in races, including half and full marathons, in support of several charities, such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.