From left: Kristie Dickinson, Vice President, ISHC, Managing Director/EVP, CHMWarnick; Alejandro Zozaya, 2023
Pioneer Award recipient, former Chairman Apple Leisure Group; Todd Leach,
Chairman, ISHC, Partner, Dedica Group
Los Angeles, CA, Feb. 6, 2023 — The International
Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in
partnership with the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) presented
Alejandro Zozaya, former Chairman of Apple Leisure Group, with
the Pioneer Award which recognizes an individual annually who has made an
outstanding contribution, achievement and/or improvement in the hospitality
industry.
 |
| Todd Leach |
Todd Leach, ISHC chairman
and partner of Dedica Group; and Kristie Dickinson, ISHC vice president
and managing director/EVP of CHMWarnick presented Zozaya with the recognition
during the conference plenary session.
Leach remarked, “What sets Alex apart from
others in our industry is his ability to see, anticipate, and adapt to changing
forces in our marketplace. And as we’ve seen, he has a keen eye for spotting
trends and a knack for identifying new opportunities for growth.”
 |
| Kristie Dickinson |
Leach added: “What an honor to celebrate Alex
Zozaya as this year’s ISHC Pioneer Award Winner - for his groundbreaking work
in the hospitality industry.
"His leadership and visionary spirit have greatly
impacted our industry, and we have no doubt that he will continue to be a
driving force in shaping the future of hospitality for years to come.”
Upon accepting the award, Zozaya noted, “Thank
you all for being a part of this wonderful industry; the industry of tourism is
the industry of opportunities.
"We’re not only able to generate millions
of jobs all over the world, we create experiences, we create wonderful
memories, but those jobs that we create, especially in those communities that
otherwise wouldn’t have any chance to improve their quality of life, are for
the vast majority young people and for women.
"Women who are the leaders in this sector.
So very proud to be one of the drivers of this segment. I do believe strongly
that this is a real industry of opportunities for anybody, and I am an example
of that.” Zozoya said.
Zozaya also gave an update on his current
philanthropic work with Amigos de Jesus, Honduras and Saving Our Sharks
Foundation and commented “I encourage all of you, whatever you’re doing,
whenever you have the opportunity, to give back, it’s really, really a great
feeling to be able to drive a successful story and give
back.”
Established in 1996, ISHC Pioneer
Award winners are selected
on a basis of three criteria: active involvement in the hospitality industry;
contribution to the industry; and personal/organizational attributes and
qualities adhering to professional standards recognized and respected by
industry peers.
 |
| Jeff Higley |
“Alex has been a pioneer in the all-inclusive
space for more than two decades and has left an indelible mark on one of the
fastest growing, most sought-after segments in the global lodging industry,”
said Jeff Higley, President of The BHN Group.
“His ambition, passion and extraordinary vision
has earned Alex a well-deserved spot on the long list of industry icons that
have received the Pioneer Award.
"It’s an honor for The BHN Group and the
Americas Lodging Investment Summit to play a role in honoring this illustrious
group of people who have helped shape the industry’s long-term success.”
Past recipients of the Pioneer Award include:
- Peggy
Berg (2022)
- Marilyn
Carlson Nelson (2020)
- Jack
DeBoer (2019)
- Wing
T. Chao (2018)
- Ian
Schrager (2017)
- Lyndall
DeMarco (2016)
- Stephen
Kaufer (2015)
- Michael
Bedner (2014)
- Steve
Rushmore (2013)
- Chip
Conley (2012)
- Kathleen
Taylor (2011)
- Leland
C. Pillsbury (2010)
- J.W.
Marriott (2009)
- Jean
Gabriel Peres (2008)
- Stanley
Selengut (2008)
- Jean-Claude
Baumgarten (2007)
- James
E. Burba (2007)
- Stelios
Haji-Ioannou (2006)
- H.P.
Rama (2006)
- Costakis
Loizou (2005)
- Barry
Sternlicht (2005)
- Christel
DeHaan (2004)
- Regis
Bulot (2004)
- Bill
Kimpton (2002)
- Jonathan
M. Tisch (2001)
- Michael
A. Leven (2000)
- Jack
Vaughn (1999)
- George
Johnson (1998)
- Randell
A. Smith (1997)
 |
| Jennifer Castellarin |
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Castellarin
Director of Membership & Marketing
jcastellarin@ishc.com
CONTACTS:
Chris Daly
President
DG Public
Relations
(703) 864-5553
chris@dalygray.com
www.dalygray.com
ishc.com.
ALISconference.com
www.northstartravelgroup.com
www.Burba.com
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