Family-owned and operated Sandals Resorts International went above and beyond to show its deep appreciation for travel advisors at the Jamaica Love Showcase, held at the Montego Bay Convention Center in Jamaica on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Welcoming 1,000 attendees to an unforgettable event that was part of a week-long celebration aptly named the “Sandals Jamaica Love Tour 2024,” the Jamaica Love Showcase demonstrated the best of Jamaica’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty while underscoring Sandals’ unwavering commitment to hospitality, tourism, community and the vital role travel advisors play in the brand’s success.
The “Sandals Jamaica Love Tour 2024” immersed travel advisors and partners with a diverse itinerary that included Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts tours, Island Routes excursions, Sandals Foundation activities and exclusive networking events.
Strengthening Bonds with Travel Advisors
Opening remarks were delivered by Gary C. Sadler, OD, Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc., an affiliate of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, who spoke about the importance of travel advisors in the brand’s success.
“Travel advisors are the single most effective tool in changing hearts and minds and most importantly, moving the needle,” said Sadler. “We know that informed advisors, prepared with firsthand knowledge and experience, are the ambassadors for this moment. They have the trust of their clients and this event was designed to empower them further, giving them the tools they need to promote Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica confidently and passionately.”
The Jamaica Love Showcase
“Jamaica’s tourism is everybody’s business, an intertwined ecosystem that brings farmers and taxicab drivers, travel advisors and prime ministers, fishers and pilots together as one,” said Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, who also serves as an Ambassador/Special Investment Envoy for Tourism for Jamaica.
Additional speakers included Dr. The Most Honorable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, the US Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry, the Jamaica Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, executives from American Airlines, Air Canada Vacations, Travel Leaders, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the American Society of Travel Advisors and the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies.
Stewart also highlighted Sandals’ forward momentum, describing this new era as “Sandals 2.0,” driven by innovation, stronger connections and a continued commitment to excellence. The event, he noted, reflects the strong collaboration between Sandals, the government and private sector travel partners, demonstrating their shared ability to create meaningful change. Stewart also reinforced that Jamaica is ready to welcome visitors, offering beauty, accessibility, affordability, safety and endless opportunities.
Since Sandals Montego Bay opened its doors in 1981, the brand has continued to invest in Jamaica, developing programs such as the Sandals Corporate University to uplift and prepare rising hospitality talent, to the Sandals Foundation, the brand’s philanthropic partner aimed at improving the lives of Caribbean communities where the brand operates.
Accuracy and Advocacy
A central theme of the conference was bridging the gap between perception and reality, highlighting Jamaica’s success as a destination and the safety of its visitors.
Jamaica is currently experiencing an “exceptional moment,” with unemployment at a historic low of 4.5% and the debt-to-GDP ratio cut in half. The Jamaica brand has never been stronger, positioning the island as a standout in the Caribbean and making a significant impact on the global stage, stressed Stewart.
Hon. Prime Minister Holness ensured the audience that his administration is working hard to reinforce that Jamaica is a safe, secure, sustainable and seamless destination.
“There are so many things that are happening in Jamaica that have not yet made it into the consciousness of the world, so that Jamaica is properly placed and positioned in the minds of our tourists, visitors and people who would want to do business with us,” said Hon. Prime Minister Holness.
“Our friends in the tourism and travel industry who are here are very important partners in us achieving our goals,” he continued. “It’s important that when advisors bring visitors to Jamaica, it’s clear they are not just helping the hotels. The dollar of that visitor is making its way into the pocket of a family that will benefit, grow and develop.”
Tourism Infrastructure Unveiled
In addition, Hon. Prime Minister Holness also announced the investment the destination is making in the island’s infrastructure, most notably with a new international airport in Negril, a new terminal at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, improvements to the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and building new roads on the southeastern coast to better connect the island.
“This is perhaps the single most immersive tourism, thought leadership summit, that Jamaica has ever had. And it is important that it happens now. And it is important that it is happening to the number one indigenous product of the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International,” said Minister of Tourism Bartlett. “I felt what it means to regenerate, to reimagine, to reposition, to reconcile, and to create, in fact, the renaissance, that will move Sandals and Jamaica tourism to the next level.”
For more information, visit sandals.com.
