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JAM | Mar 5, 2026

S Hotels Jamaica and CEO Christopher Issa honoured with PATWA International Travel Awards 2026

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Christopher Issa (centre) accepts the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (Jamaica) from Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (left) and secretary-general of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, Yatan Ahluwalia. (Photo: Contributed)


S Hotels Jamaica has won the PATWA International Travel Award 2026 for ‘Best Boutique Hotels – Authentic Experiences (Caribbean)’.

Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica, has also won the PATWA International Travel Award 2026 for ‘Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (Jamaica)’.

The awards were conferred at the 26th and 2026 edition of the PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit and the PATWA International Travel Awards at ITB Berlin on Tuesday (March 4).

Presented by PATWA Secretary-General Yatan Ahluwalia, the recognition highlights S Hotels Jamaica’s boutique approach to hospitality across its Kingston and Montego Bay properties, defined by locally inspired design, elevated culinary programming, and immersive experiences rooted in Jamaican culture.

Throughout the hotels, curated tributes to Jamaica’s heritage reinforce that commitment — from a 46-foot hummingbird sculpture and a 12-foot Usain Bolt installation to vinyl record players in every room and artistic nods to reggae legends and the island’s cinematic history.

Jamaican hotelier Christopher Issa (right) and his United Kingdom sales representative Victoria Cranmer pose with the two awards received by Issa and his two S Hotels from PATWA International Travel Awards 2026 during ITB Berlin in Germany. (Photo: Contributed)

Beyond design, the company extends its impact through initiatives such as its “S for Shelters” project, which delivered 63 one-room homes to families in western Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa — reflecting a belief that hospitality should uplift communities as well as guests.

Issa’s award recognises his leadership and commitment to innovation within Jamaica’s hospitality sector. Under his direction, S Hotels Jamaica has strengthened its international 

profile while advancing sustainability initiatives and meaningful community partnerships across its operations.

“This recognition by PATWA is deeply meaningful to us,” said Issa.

 “It affirms our commitment to delivering authentic Jamaican experiences with a global standard of excellence. We are very pleased to contribute to the continued evolution of Caribbean hospitality.”

Christopher Issa, CEO, S Hotels Jamaica displays one of two awards along with his biggest supporter, his wife Kimberly, after accepting it on Wednesday at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2026 during ITB Berlin in Germany. (Photo: Contributed)

The ceremony took place in conjunction with ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade exhibitions, bringing together tourism leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the globe.

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