At 28 years, Joe Issa is the youngest general manager in the SuperClubs group of five resorts in Jamaica.
During its annual congress in Sydney, Australia, October 26, the Paris-based International Hotel Association will name him “Young Hotelier of the World 1994.”
The award, which honours one male and one female hotelier under the age of 30, recognizes professional achievements, commitment to excellence and service to the community. It also draws attention to career opportunities for the young people in the hospitality industry worldwide.
“This is a great and completely unexpected honour,” said Joe Issa. “I have dreamed of succeeding in the hotel business since I was 11 years old. To achieve this recognition so soon after my father was named ‘Caribbean Hotelier of the Year’ has made 1994 a very special year for my family.”
Earlier this year, Mr. Issa’s father, John Issa, chairman of the SuperClubs Super-Inclusive Resorts was named “Caribbean Hotelier of the Year” by the Caribbean Hotel Association.
Said John Issa, “Naturally, we’re all very proud of Joey. He has shown much promise since he entered the hotel industry, and has done an outstanding job at San Souci Lido since SuperClubs took over last November. Positioned as one of our flagship properties, with Joey at the helm Sans Souci Lido is fulfilling its promise.”
Education
Educated at Campion College in Kingston, Jamaica, he continued his studies in Economics at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was the first international economics student to valedictorian his class.
A member of Phi Bera Kappa, he was also the youngest resident Jamaican, at age 22, to pass all four parts of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants national examination at the first sitting. Before joining Sans Souci Lido, he held posts at hotels in Europe including the Grosvenor House in London and the Forte Hotel Village in Sardinia, Italy, and at hotels in Jamaica including the Jamaica Pegasus and Grand Lido in Negril.
Appointed general manager of Sans Souci Lido in November 1993, Mr. Issa closed the property for major renovations, which he accomplished in only six weeks. Within seven months after reopening, not only was the hotel headed for success, its food and beverage swept the Jamaica Culinary Arts Competition with three gold medals in July 1994, more than any other hotel.
Mr. Issa currently serves on the Council and the marketing committee of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and is a director of the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Spurred by commitment to improve the education of Jamaica’s children, Mr. Issa also initiated “Global 2000,” which twins Jamaica’s elementary schools with international schools with international schools in extensive learning and exchange programs, and has been recognised by the Florida State Board of Education as the “Most Promising Intercultural Program.”
Source: Dollars and Sense
