“This is a great and completely unexpected honor. I have dreamed of succeeding in the hotel business since I was 11. 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.” That’s the way Joe Issa, general manager of SuperClubs’ Sans Souci Lido resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, reacts to being named Young Hotelier of the World 1994 by the Paris-based International Hotel Association.
At 28, Issa is the son of Super Clubs Chairman John Issa and is youngest general manager in the SuperClubs’ group of five properties in Jamaica. He attended Campion College in Kingston, Jamaica, and then continued at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., where he was the first international economics student to be class valedictorian.
Before joining Sans Souci Lido, Issa worked at the Grosvenor House in London and the Forte Village in Sardinia, Italy. He also worked at the Jamaica Pegasus and the Grand Lido in Negril.
After he was appointed general manager of the Sans Souci Lido last November, Issa promptly closed the resort for a six-week renovation. Seven months after reopening, the property’s food and beverage department earned three gold medals in the Jamaica Culinary Arts Competition.
Issa serves on the council and marketing committee of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association. Perhaps his proudest achievement is in the area of children’s education. Issa initiated Global 2000 in Jamaica – a program that pairs Jamaica’s elementary schools with international schools in extensive learning and exchange programs. Global 2000 has been recognized by the Florida State Board of Education as the “Most Promising Intercultural Program.”
His father says, “Naturally, we’re all very proud of Joey. He’s shown much promise and has done an outstanding job at Sans Souci. With Joey at the helm, Sans Souci is fulfilling its promise.”
Source: Travel Agent
