Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts founder Isadore “Issy” Sharp has been named the 2010 inductee into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders. Distinguished individuals are named to the Hall of Leaders maintained by the U.S. Travel Association for “sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, stimulated greater achievement, and raised industry-wide standards.”

Sharp, who serves as Four Seasons’ chairman and chief executive officer, will be honored during a dinner among more than a hundred travel industry leaders during the U.S. Travel winter board meeting on December 2.

“Issy Sharp’s leadership over five decades in building the Four Seasons brand to set the standard for luxury accommodations and personalized service makes him this year’s deserving inductee,” said Roger J. Dow, U.S. Travel’s president and chief executive officer. “I look forward to joining the rest of the travel community in honoring his vision and many accomplishments that have continuously raised the bar for so many in the hospitality industry and improved the guest experience for so many travelers.”

Nearly 50 years ago, Sharp opened a small motor hotel in Toronto, Canada, beginning a guest-focused concept that has grown the company to over 80 mid-sized hotels of exceptional quality in 35 countries. Among its innovations over the years, Four Seasons was the first hotel company to employ concierges company-wide, raised the caliber of in-room amenities, and dispelled the stigma of “hotel dining” by offering exceptional restaurants at its properties.

With this induction, 82 travel industry professionals have been inducted into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders since it was created in 1969. The 2009 inductees were Adam Goldstein, President of Royal Caribbean International; Stevan Porter, the late president of the Americas region for InterContinental Hotel Group; and Andrew Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Holdings.

About U.S. Travel Association

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.

Cathy Reynolds
Manager, Media Relations and Lead Manager, IPW Press Operations
+1 202 408 2183
U.S. Travel Association