In The News

Wonder, awe and applause enveloped nearly 400 Travel Advisors and their companions as they arrived by private charter to an exhilarating weeklong celebration at Sandals’ new island home in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This year marked the 19th edition of the coveted Sandals Travel Advisor Recognition (STAR) Awards, brought to life surrounded by nature’s splendor. As esteemed guests, global Travel Advisors from North America, United Kingdom Canada and Latin America descended on the mystic shores of Buccament Bay, where the new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gave way to a dynamic itinerary of continued learning, team building, community engagement, celebration and plenty of rest and relaxation under the Vincentian sun. 

Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, captured the sentiment of the week addressing attending Travel Advisors: “We’ve always put our money on the horse that is the Travel Advisor community. This goes as far back as 1981 — when my father started this company. The best bet in the world is to bet on the most powerful distribution means in the entire tourism ecosystem – and that’s hands down, Travel Advisors. We continue to hold this true. The Travel Advisor community built this company and we love you, we love you, we love you. We will continue to forge ahead in every way we can -- working with airlines, governments, taxi associations and travel distribution companies – with a team of people who believe in us and relentlessly believe in the Caribbean.”

A Night to Honor Excellence - STAR Awards Highlights

The centerpiece of the event was the STAR Awards Ceremony, where top-performing Travel Advisors from around the globe were recognized for their invaluable contribution to Caribbean tourism as a whole. Her Excellency Susan Dougan, Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, was among the presenters, with categories spanning Best of the Best, Million Dollar Club, Rising STARs, Chairman’s Royal Club, Top Sandals Travel Agency, Top Beaches Travel Agency, Top Club Sandals, Top Butler Elite, Top Weddings Travel Advisors, Worldwide Contribution to the Sandals Foundation, Top Island Routes Travel Advisor, Outstanding Achievement in Social Media and more. 

The evening also gave way to the newest induction into Sandals’ coveted Hall of Fame with Zane Kerby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) presented with the honor in recognition of his role and remarkable tenure as a true champion for the hospitality and travel industries. The Sandals Hall of Fame award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the success of Caribbean tourism, working diligently to promote cultural understanding, meaningful trade and ultimately, the responsible growth of tourism in the region. 

Additional Program Highlights

Educational sessions underscored Sandals’ commitment to supporting and enhancing the professional growth of Travel Advisors, including a “Social Media Marketing & Destination Wedding Forum” that shared new strategies and tools to enhance Advisors’ online presence, along with new trends and celebration packages. A “Sandals and Beaches Business Review Session” set the stage for nostalgic remarks from SRI Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, who delved into the brand’s undeniable history with the Travel Advisor community. On-site experiences partner Island Routes invited Travel Advisors to adventure through the island’s lush rainforests, sail along the pristine coastline, and venture into the vibrant downtown area of Kingstown. Other attendees learned about the Sandals Foundation’s partnership with Hand2Earth and Grow In Time’s Vetiver Craft Project, which offers a second chance through rehabilitation and re-socializing training programs. Evenings were spent swaying to the beat of talented artists from the Caribbean for vibrant cultural celebrations throughout – from lively oceanfront parties under the stars to a wedding showcase cocktail hour – creating opportunities for networking while immersing Advisors in the festive spirit of the Caribbean. Dine-arounds also invited attendees to connect over local Vincentian cuisine at new culinary concepts like Buccan – a large-format dining experience inspired by local cooking traditions – and Scrimshaw, a tribute to the island’s bounty on land and in the water. 

Sounds from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 

Throughout the weekend, tourism leaders joined together to speak to advisors and reinforce their important role within the tourism infrastructure. 

Zane Kerby of ASTA added: “Lots of suppliers pay lip service, but Sandals believes in you to their bones. Events such as this one are evidence of that, commissions paid in a timely manner are also evidence of that, and they show that they're invested in your wellbeing as much as your success.”

The Honourable Carlos James, Minister of Tourism for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines delivered poignant words about the destination: “What’s important about this destination? It's one of the last Caribbean destinations which is largely untouched. We are big on environmental sustainability, conservation, and preserving our nature. We want to limit the carbon footprint and that's essential.” 

Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations for Unique Vacations Inc, said: “We have always recognized that Travel Advisors are the heartbeat of our industry. We not only express our sincerest gratitude for their unwavering commitment today, but every day. We are here to prove to the industry that we are serious about our relationship with the Travel Advisor community  – and there is no other hotel company throughout the Caribbean that has such a brilliant and true commitment to you like Sandals Resorts International.”

Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), Adam Stewart, celebrated the significance of hosting Travel Advisors to experience Sandals’ new home first-hand: “This is the tourism product of the future that we're going to make it happen together as a team. We can’t thank our airline partners enough for making all tides rise in the Caribbean and more planes fly. From American Airlines, Air Canada, Caribbean Airlines, Delta Air Lines, InterCaribbean Airlines, Jet Blue, United Airlines, West Jet, Air Transat, Bahamas Air, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Copa. This week will forever change the tourism landscape of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as the best of the best immerse in the last of the true exotics. From each and every one of us across this archipelago, we sincerely thank you.”

Sandals Celebrates An Extensive List of 2024 STAR Awards Winners, Among Them: 

Top Beaches Travel Agency; Mghehee Cruise & Vacation, Inc. (US), The Travel Agent Next Door (Canada) 

Top Sandals Travel Agency; The Journey Group (US), Travel Time Agency (Canada) 

Top Host Travel Agency; Cruises and Tours Unlimited, Trevello Travel Group

Top Co-Branding Agency Worldwide; 58 Stars 

Top Producing Travel Partner Latin America; Premier Reps 

Top Producing Travel Agency Latin America; Epic Travel 

Rising Stars; Never Grow Up Vacations, Whimsical Destinations, Traveluxe, PS Family Vacations, Tourcan Vacations, Inc. (Canada), Voyages Village Hudson, Laurier Du Vallon Ste Foy, Verona Travel 

Worldwide Contribution to the Sandals Foundation; Hays Travel

Top Producing Travel Advisor - Wedding Revenue; Nancy Finn of Island Getaways

Top Producing Travel Advisor- Wedding Bookings; Addison Jaynes of Cruise and Tours Unlimited

Rising Star Travel Advisor - Weddings; Natasha Taylor of Mad Hatter Adventures Travel Company 

Outstanding Travel Advisor Achievement in Social Media; Stephanie Howard of Traveling Ears Vacations 

Top Island Routes Travel Agency; The Journey Group 

Top Consortia Agency Worldwide; Travel Leaders Network

Worldwide Top Host Travel Agency; Cruises & Tours Unlimited