introducing dania duke

about Dania duke

With more than 30 years of hospitality leadership, Dania has worked with leading global brands including Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Margaritaville, and luxury independent resorts. Her expertise spans food and beverage, innovation design, and large-scale operations, where she has led multicultural teams of up to 1,000 employees and contributed to 10 hotel openings, brand transitions, and renovation projects.

In addition to her work as a general manager, Dania completed Stanford University’s Design Thinking program and became one of eight Innovation LAB Hotel leaders within Global Hyatt. Her implementation of this system resulted in two major initiatives later adopted companywide, and in 2013 she supported the Hyatt Regency New Delhi’s Lab Hotel launch.

A committed community leader, Dania has served on multiple boards, including as Vice President and President of the San Diego Hotel Lodging Association. She has proudly served on the Women in Tourism and Hospitality (WITH) Advisory Board since 2017, where she mentors and champions career opportunities for women in the industry.

Dania’s contributions have earned her numerous honors, including:

• San Diego City & County Award of Excellence – “Dania Duke Day” (2022)

• California Hotel & Lodging Association GM of the Year (2020)

• Davidson Hotels & Resorts GM of the Year (2019)

• San Diego Gold Key Hotelier of the Year (2019)

• Women in Tourism & Hospitality Award, San Diego (2018)

A visionary and mentor, Dania continues to advance innovation, service excellence, and leadership in the hospitality industry.