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Draft:John Issa

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John Issa is a prominent Jamaican businessman and a pioneer of the all-inclusive resort model in the Caribbean. In 1976, he launched Jamaica's first all-inclusive resort, Negril Beach Village, which later became the renowned Hedonism II. His introduction of the "Super-Inclusive" concept, which bundled accommodation, meals, drinks, and activities into a single price, revolutionized the tourism industry and positioned Jamaica as a global vacation destination. Through his leadership of SuperClubs, Issa expanded this model to include multiple resorts, such as Breezes, Grand Lido, and the Hedonism brands, across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean​. [1] [2] [3]

In addition to his achievements in the hospitality sector, Issa has been an active contributor to Jamaican civic life. He served as a senator from 1983 to 1989 and was chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, playing a key role in shaping national tourism policies. Issa's dedication to the industry has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Order of Jamaica, the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year, and the Ernst & Young Caribbean Master Entrepreneur of the Year award​. [4] [3]

Issa's commitment to sustainable tourism is also noteworthy. Under his leadership, SuperClubs implemented eco-friendly initiatives such as water recycling and rainwater harvesting, earning Green Globe certifications for many of the company’s properties. His efforts in promoting environmental sustainability within the tourism industry have further cemented his legacy as a forward-thinking leader​. [1] [2]

Throughout his career, John Issa has been recognized not only for his business acumen but also for his contributions to community development, staff training, and philanthropy, making him a respected figure in both Jamaican business and civic circles​ [3]

Awards and Recognition: Issa has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Order of Jamaica in 1998, the Brazilian Order of the Southern Cross (Officer Rank) in 2001, and the Master Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young in 2003. These awards acknowledge his contributions to the business world and tourism development​. [1] [2] [4]

He was honored with his own Jamaican postage stamp in 2005 to commemorate the centenary of the Jamaica Hotel Law​.[2][4]

John Issa was recently honored with The Bahamas’ Order of Excellence on October 14, 2024. This award was conferred by the Governor General of The Bahamas, Dame Cynthia Pratt, in recognition of Issa’s exceptional contributions to the development of tourism in The Bahamas through his leadership with SuperClubs. The Order of Excellence is one of the highest national honors awarded in The Bahamas, acknowledging his longstanding friendship and exemplary service to the country, particularly through his work with the Breezes Resorts​. [5]

John Issa hails from a prominent Jamaican family with deep roots in the island's business and tourism sectors. The Issa family is of Lebanese descent, having immigrated to Jamaica in the late 19th century. John Issa’s father, Abraham Elias Issa, was an influential figure in Jamaica’s hospitality industry and a pioneer in promoting the country as a tourist destination. Abraham Issa was also one of the founders of the Jamaica Tourist Board and played a key role in establishing the Myrtle Bank Hotel, a landmark in Jamaican tourism​. [1] [3]

John Issa followed in his father’s footsteps by significantly shaping the tourism industry through his creation of the all-inclusive resort model, which began with the launch of Negril Beach Village in 1976. His innovative business practices revolutionized Caribbean tourism and led to the expansion of his company, SuperClubs, across multiple countries​. [2]

In addition to his business ventures, John Issa has been deeply involved in Jamaican civic life. He served as a Jamaican senator from 1983 to 1989 and held leadership positions such as chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board and president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Order of Jamaica in 1998 and the Ernst & Young Caribbean Master Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2003​. [2] [4] [6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Interview: Hon John Issa, Chairman SuperClubs | News". Breaking Travel News.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Leaders April 2009 – An Interview with John Issa, Founder and Chairman, SuperClubs". www.leadersmag.com.
  3. ^ a b c d "John Joseph Issa: Positions, Relations and Network - MarketScreener". www.marketscreener.com.
  4. ^ a b c d "John J. Issa named, "Caribbean Master Entrepreneur of the Year" | News". Breaking Travel News.
  5. ^ "January 2024 - Jamaica Observer". www.jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. ^ Korney, Stephanie (January 19, 2017). "The 8 Richest and Most Influential People from Jamaica".