Historic Hotels of America Honors Xanterra’s Andrew N. Todd with 2026 Legacy Award
Historic Hotels of America has named Andrew N. Todd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xanterra Travel Collection, as the recipient of the 2026 Historic Hotels of America Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award. The honor recognizes Todd’s more than three decades of leadership in the hospitality and travel industry and his contributions to historic preservation, environmental stewardship and destination experiences.
Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation dedicated to recognizing and celebrating distinguished historic hotels across the United States. Through its annual Awards of Excellence, the organization recognizes leading historic properties, hoteliers and historians whose work contributes to the preservation and continued success of America’s historic hospitality destinations.
Todd will receive the 2026 Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award during the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala on October 15, 2026. The ceremony will take place at the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection, in Williamsburg, Virginia, as part of the 2026 Historic Hotels Annual Conference.
The event will bring together owners, general managers and senior hospitality executives representing historic hotels from across the United States and around the world.
Three Decades of Leadership at Xanterra
Todd has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Xanterra Travel Collection since 1994. During his tenure, he has guided the company through significant expansion, diversification and innovation, helping transform its operations into a broad hospitality and travel portfolio.
Under Todd’s leadership, Xanterra has expanded beyond its historic roots as a national park concessioner. Its portfolio now includes historic hotels, national park lodges, the Grand Canyon Railway, cruise operations, adventure travel and destination experiences.
His career has been shaped by the belief that preserving significant places and delivering high-quality hospitality can support each other. By combining historic stewardship with modern hospitality operations, Xanterra has continued to provide travelers with experiences connected to some of the country’s most important destinations.
Focus on Preservation and Stewardship
One of Todd’s notable contributions has been his focus on the principles outlined in Xanterra Travel Collection’s “Twelve Values Fundamental to Our Success.” These values have helped shape the company’s organizational culture and guide its associates across multiple brands and destinations.
Todd has also advanced A Softer Footprint, Xanterra’s environmental stewardship and sustainability commitment. The initiative reflects the company’s focus on integrating responsible environmental practices into hospitality operations.
Under Todd’s leadership, Xanterra has worked to demonstrate that historic preservation, environmental responsibility, operational performance and long-term business objectives can coexist.
These efforts are particularly relevant for hospitality companies operating historic properties and destinations where protecting cultural, architectural and environmental assets is an important part of the guest experience.
Recognition for Visionary Leadership
Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, said the organization is recognizing Todd for his leadership, entrepreneurial approach and commitment to stewardship.
According to Horwitz, Todd’s work at Xanterra demonstrates how historic preservation, environmental responsibility and hospitality can be combined to protect important destinations while creating meaningful experiences for travelers.
The award recognizes not only Todd’s business leadership but also his long-term approach to managing places with significant cultural and historical value.
A Meaningful Year for Xanterra
The recognition comes during an important period for Xanterra and its hospitality heritage. The company is marking the 150th anniversary of its hospitality heritage through the founding of the Fred Harvey Company in 1876.
The year also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66 and the 125th anniversary of the Grand Canyon Railway. These milestones highlight the longstanding relationship between hospitality, transportation and tourism in the development of travel across the American West.
The Fred Harvey Company played an influential role in the development of hotels, restaurants and visitor services beginning in the late 19th century. Its legacy continues through properties and hospitality experiences connected to Xanterra’s portfolio.
Todd Reflects on Stewardship
Todd said he was honored to receive the 2026 award and credited the people he has worked with throughout his career for helping preserve important destinations and historic places.
He emphasized that historic hotels, lodges and national parks represent more than physical buildings or travel destinations. They form part of the broader story of the United States and provide opportunities for visitors to connect with the country’s history.
Todd also highlighted the legacy of Fred Harvey and the responsibility associated with operating historic hotels, lodges and destinations. His comments underscored the importance of stewardship in ensuring that significant places remain protected for future generations.
Environmental Innovation in Hospitality
Todd’s tenure has also been associated with Xanterra’s environmental initiatives and sustainability efforts. Over the past several decades, the company has developed environmental standards intended to guide operations across its hospitality portfolio.
These standards have contributed to industry recognition and peer-reviewed awards for Xanterra’s environmental work.
The company’s approach reflects a broader evolution in the hospitality sector, where sustainability and resource management are increasingly connected to property operations, destination management and guest experiences.
Continuing a Legacy
The 2026 Historic Hotels of America Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award recognizes Andrew N. Todd’s long-term contribution to hospitality and historic destination management. His leadership at Xanterra has spanned more than 30 years, during which the company has expanded its portfolio while maintaining connections to historic properties, national parks and travel experiences.
The award also highlights the role of hospitality leaders in preserving historic destinations while adapting them to meet the expectations of modern travelers.
As Xanterra continues to operate historic hotels, national park lodges, rail services and destination experiences, Todd’s recognition underscores the importance of balancing innovation with preservation. His career reflects an approach in which historic stewardship, environmental responsibility and hospitality can work together to protect significant places and create lasting experiences for travelers.
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