Cornell Hotel Case Studies：Four_Seasons_Final.pdfVIP

The Center for Hospitality Research AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY Four Seasons’ Approach: The “Golden Rule” and A Global Strategy “We continue to build on a foundation that is rock solid, the result of more than 40 years of consistent thought and action. From This solid base, we expect a strong rebound in earnings when geopolitical issues stabilize and the economy improves. Over the next decade, we intend to continue to build on these foundations, and believe the best is yet to come.” – Isadore Sharp, Founder, Chairman CEO1 The luxury hotel management company known as Four Seasons Hotels Resorts has been successful in the face of such challenges as a rough capital market and the affects of September 11th. The company set a new benchmark by ending 2001 with the strongest balance sheet in Four Seasons history. And, while the post-September 11th world continues to present a challenge to the organization and the industry, Four Seasons has shown that they can maintain profitability while opening new properties across the globe. Written by James A. Fantaci, Serpil Halici, Michalis Stathokostopoulos, Vincent Trapenard, Phoebe Ullberg, and Elizabeth Willars under the direction of Jeffrey S. Harrison at the School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University. Copyright c Jeffrey S. Harrison. This case study was written for the purposes of classroom discussion. It is not to be duplicated or cited in any form without the copyright holder’s express permission. For permission to reproduce or cite this case, contact Jeffrey S. Harrison (jsh36@). Permission to use in the classroom will be granted free of charge. Four Seasons’ Approach: The “Golden Rule”