Fernando Kanni
Partner, São Paulo, Brazil
Fernando Kanni is a Partner at Horwath HTL Brazil and serves as the Technical Director for the Tourism and Sustainability projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Bio
Fernando Kanni is a Partner at Horwath HTL Brazil and serves as Technical Director for the Tourism and Sustainability Projects Unit at Horwath HTL Latin America and the Caribbean. He is also an active member of the Tourism Business Line team at Horwath HTL International, bringing over 20 years of diverse experience in the tourism and sustainability sectors.
Fernando has worked extensively across all regions of Brazil, focusing on the development of tourism products and destinations, sustainable public use of protected areas, and conducting environmental impact assessments for tourism and leisure projects. His expertise encompasses strategic planning and implementation, making him a key contributor to both public and private sector initiatives.
Fernando’s career includes significant work with government institutions such as the State of São Paulo and consultancy roles in strategic projects with international and Brazilian non-governmental organisations, including WWF, ISA, SESC, and FIPE. He has also been involved in internationally funded projects supported by UNDP, IADB, the World Bank, KfW, Finnida, and PPG7, with extensive collaboration with multilateral development agencies like the IADB.
He provides specialised consultancy services in tourism development and sustainability management to a wide array of organisations, including the Ministry of Tourism (MTur), Ministry of the Environment (MMA), Ministry of Education (MEC), IBAMA, ICMBio, and various state and municipal institutions, as well as private companies across Brazil.
Fernando is also a professor, researcher, and consultant at SENAC/SP and serves on the Council of Specialists in Businesses and Tourism for FECOMERCIO/SP. His leadership and dedication to advancing sustainable tourism development have established him as a respected figure in the industry, both in Brazil and internationally.
Experience
Bold steps forward
We help clients achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Conceptual Design of a Hotel in Torres Sigma
São Paulo, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Conceptual Design of a Hotel in the Edifício 9 de Julho
São Paulo, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Feasibility Study for Hard Rock Hotel Conversion on Avenida Paulista
São Paulo, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Conceptualization of a Mixed-Use Hotel in Torres Sigma
São Paulo, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Hotel Conversion Feasibility Study
São Paulo, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Feasibility Study for Converting Two Office Towers into a Hotel
São Paulo, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Feasibility Study for Converting Pestana Salvador Hotel into a Hard Rock Hotel
Bahia, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Hotel Conceptualization for WTorre Morumbi
São Paulo, Brazil
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Expert insights
Cutting edge analysis.
Ozone recovery as a reminder: science works, policy matters
The announcement that the Antarctic ozone hole reached its smallest seasonal extent since 2019 is one of the most encouraging environmental signals we have received in years. After decades of global cooperation under the Montreal Protocol, the atmospheric system is finally showing measurable signs of recovery: later opening dates, earlier closures, and a progressive reduction in area size. At a time when environmental news is often dominated by climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem stress, this positive development matters. It demonstrates something fundamental: when the world commits to science-based policy, coordinated regulation, and long-term implementation, environmental recovery is not only possible, it is inevitable. But this is where the optimism ends, and the complexity begins.
COP30 in the Amazon – where we stand today
COP30, hosted for the first time in history inside the Amazon, in Belém (Brazil) , has become a symbolic and strategic moment for global climate governance. It brought together nearly 200 countries, along with businesses, indigenous communities, local governments and NGOs, to discuss how the world will adapt to the accelerating climate crisis. Although expectations were high, the outcomes were mixed: some tangible steps forward, but also major gaps in ambition, especially regarding the future of fossil fuels.
Sustainability trends shaping 2025
Sustainability is no longer a niche choice, it’s a strategic imperative woven into the fabric of business, policy, and consumer expectations. Investors are demanding transparency, regulators are setting stricter disclosure requirements, and customers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values. The conversation has shifted from “why” sustainability matters to “how” it is embedded across operations, governance, and long-term strategy. At the same time, technological innovation, regulatory convergence, and growing climate risks are accelerating the urgency for action.
How the hospitality sector is confronting plastic
The hospitality industry is no stranger to environmental scrutiny, but in 2025, the spotlight has turned sharply onto plastics. With consumer expectations and government regulations mounting, hotels are accelerating action, not just for sustainability, but for competitiveness.
Historic city centres: preserving urban memory & authenticity
Not every city is a tourist destination, but those that safeguard their environmental heritage and promote community well-being have the potential to turn their history and culture into meaningful experiences for both residents and visitors. Historic city centres are a living expression of this process, embodying the identity and evolution of a place over time.
The emergence and growth of serviced apartments in Brazil
The Brazilian hotel and real estate market is experiencing significant changes driven by the emergence of new startups and the evolving lifestyle preferences of new generations. This has led to the development of innovative short- and long-term rental platforms and specific real estate products. The growth of serviced apartments is a notable trend, offering a different proposition for both investors and residents, supported significantly by startups known as proptechs.
