The ISHC presented the award at the BSH VIII International Hotel & Resort Investment Seminar  held last month at the Caesar Park Faria Lima Hotel in São Paulo, Brazil. The ISHC created the Pioneer Award-US in 1996 to recognize an individual or organization for making an outstanding contribution, achievement and or improvement in the hospitality industry. ISHC Pioneer Award winners are selected based on the three criteria of active involvement in the industry, contribution to the industry and personal/organizational attributes and qualities. 

�I am incredibly surprised, honored and humbled to receive the Pioneer Award,� said Sistare. �I do, however, accept it on behalf of my colleagues at Atlantica who have worked just as hard and have been the keys to our success.�

A 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Sistare has led Atlantica Hotels International since its formation in 1998 to become South America�s largest independent hospitality Management Company representing the brands of Choice Hotels International (Clarion, Quality, Comfort and Sleep), Carlson Hotels Worldwide (Radisson, Park Inns, and Park Plaza) and Starwood (Four Points by Sheraton).  Currently, Atlantica has 46 hotels open representing more than 8,000 rooms with another 42 in construction and development bringing the total inventory to 16,000 rooms. 

Prior to joining Atlantica Hotels International, Sistare was president and chief executive officer of Hong Kong-based Richfield Hospitality Services, Inc. Before joining Richfield, Sistare was a senior executive for 10 years with London-based Forte PLC, a renowned international hospitality organization with more than 800 hotels worldwide. He also held senior management positions at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando.
Atlantica Hotels International has also been recognized by Carta Capital as �One of the Most Admired Companies in Brazil;� by Ameríca Economia as one of the �Top 25 Best Companies to Work in Latin America� (second in Brazil behind U.S.-based Cargill Industries) and by the prestigious Examé� �Top 100 Best Employers in Brazil.� 
Since its inception, Atlantica has raised more than US$900 million to provide equity capital for the hotels while providing jobs for more than 4,000 direct and indirect employees. Each year, Atlantica has doubled in size, and Sistare expects to end 2004 with more than 50 hotels. 

Atlantica has introduced several quality initiatives under Sistare�s leadership in addition to the overall concept of mid-market branded hotel management with U.S.-based brands. These innovations include Latin America�s only 100 percent Satisfaction Guaranteed Program; a commitment to exceed international life, fire and safety guidelines; in-room broadband and Wi-Fi internet capabilities in all products; and an �E Learning� program spreading international standards of service throughout the company to constantly improve the level of expertise at property line and management levels. Atlantica�s products have been internationally recognized for their excellence in product quality by receiving 10 Gold Awards from Choice Hotels International and being the only country outside of the U.S. and Canada to receive such recognition.