Couples Resorts announces the promotion of Abraham Issa to the role of Deputy Chairman

Montego Bay, JAMAICA – February 2025 – Couples Resorts, a leading collection of high-end, all-inclusive properties in Ocho Rios and Negril, Jamaica, is pleased to announce the promotion of Abraham Issa to the role of Deputy Chairman. Along with the current Chairman of Couples Resorts—his father, Lee Issa—Abraham will work to continue growing and evolving the brand into the next generation.

Over the last 15 years, Abraham developed his industry expertise and deep understanding of operations in the various roles he accepted and embraced throughout Couples Resorts. He began with a series of internships while still in school, before beginning his full-time role as an Executive Assistant Manager. He later worked as an Operations Manager and eventually as Chief Operating Officer. Most recently, as President of Sales and Marketing, he has played a critical leadership role in driving the company’s revenue and brand positioning. Throughout his career, Abraham learned about each aspect of the Couples Resorts portfolio from a business, operations, and creative perspective. This multifaceted approach, along with his strong connection to the cherished family values at the brand’s core, has naturally led to this next step.

“I’m honored to step into this position and am earnest about the responsibility that comes with this pivotal role. I grew up in this business, and it is an absolute privilege to continue my family’s legacy of delivering upon the experience our guests have grown to love at Couples Resorts,” said Abraham Issa. “Having the opportunity to be so heavily involved in the direction of something that is so close to my heart has truly been a remarkable experience and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

A pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, Abraham’s grandfather, Abraham Elias Issa—widely recognized as the “Father of Jamaican Tourism”—first opened Couples Tower Isle in 1978. Now, 45+ years later, the Couples Resorts portfolio has redefined the standard of luxury all-inclusive travel. Each property is infused with a sense of elevated romance and hospitality, reflecting the Issa family's belief that upon arrival guests should be transported into an enchanting environment that exceeds expectations. 

“Working with Abraham, the way I once did with my father, is what I’m looking forward to the most,” said Lee Issa, Chairman of Couple Resorts. “Watching his evolution through the years has without a doubt solidified my confidence that he has the ability to catapult this brand forward while maintaining its core values.”

As one of the few family-owned-and-run hotel brands of its size, Couples Resorts prides itself in infusing every inch of each property with the Issa family touch. The aesthetics of the resorts are largely influenced by Lee’s wife, Jane Issa, who is personally involved in all design decisions, from hand-selecting each tapestry and pillow to incorporating pieces that pay homage to the surrounding natural landscape. Each element comes together to create the ultimate island vibe while keeping a heightened focus on sustainability and supporting the local community and its artisans. The level of attention to detail is felt by guests not only in the design but also in Couples Resorts’ people, standard of service, and cultural authenticity, which keeps couples coming back year after year.

About Couples Resorts

Couples Resorts, headquartered in Montego Bay, Jamaica, owns and operates four properties in Jamaica: Couples Tower Isle, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away, and Couples Negril. Pioneered by the legendary Abraham Issa, “the father of Jamaican tourism,” each resort is an unsurpassed model for the all-inclusive concept, boldly designed with local inspiration to create a harmonious sense of nature and authentic spirit. For more than 45 years, Couples has delighted guests and redefined the Caribbean all-inclusive resort experience by providing unparalleled service, exceptional dining experiences, and exclusive added value inclusions. For further information, please visit www.couples.com.