The Caribbean’s
leading all-inclusive brand, Sandals Resorts, hosted a pivotal event in Jamaica
last week, attracting over 1,000 travel sector members, including travel
advisors, industry partners, government officials and resort executives. The
Jamaica Love Showcase offered an opportunity to examine the island’s tourism
products through the lens of the Sandals
Resorts and Beaches
Resorts brands.
Led by Sandals’
Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, with keynote speeches from figures like Prime
Minister Andrew Holness, the one-day event showcased some exciting developments
currently shaping travel to Jamaica
and the wider Caribbean. Topics ranged from sustainability practices and
culinary innovation to ways of enhancing the all-inclusive experience and the
critical role of employee engagement in delivering top-tier guest experiences.
Sustainability Sensibilities
in a "Regeneration" Phase
Kirstin McCarthy,
Sandals Resorts International’s Director of Sustainability, revealed the
company’s evolving focus on "regenerative" tourism. Going beyond
reducing its environmental footprint, Sandals is committed to actively
enhancing ecosystems and communities in the Caribbean. Initiatives include the
recycling of food waste, partnerships with local farmers, and ambitious
renewable energy programs. In honor of the Sandals Foundation’s 15th
anniversary, the “Power of 15” project was announced, aimed at delivering solar
power to school computer labs across Jamaica.
The Linkages
Program, which focuses on the crucial connection between tourism and Jamaica’s
local economy, is a fundamental part of Sandals’ vision for enhanced sustainability.
McCarthy emphasized that each visitor to the resorts directly contributes to the
island’s economy, saying, "The economic penetration of the U.S. dollar
in Jamaica not only supports livelihoods but fosters a richer
cultural exchange," she said.
Locally sourced ingredients for restaurant Buccan at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. (Photo Credit: Sandals Resorts)
An Increased
Appetite for Caribbean Cuisine
Sandals is reimagining
its gastronomic offerings to showcase the region's diverse flavors and culinary
traditions. "Food is a lens into a culture, and we want our guests to
experience more of the Caribbean than ever before," said Luke
Mathot, Vice President of Product Innovation.
As global interest
in Caribbean cuisine surges, with the region’s vibrant flavors popping up in
cosmopolitan cities like New York and Los Angeles, Sandals is focusing on
integrating more local ingredients into its menus and storytelling into its
retail offerings, New dining concepts, such as BLÜM, showcasing Blue Mountain
coffee, and Sweetwood, a barbeque-jerk fusion restaurant, will immerse guests
in the flavors of Jamaica, while experiential dining venues like Buccan at
Sandals Saint Vincent deliver unique, story-driven culinary experiences.
Deepening
Emotional Connections Through Design
With the hospitality
industry always evolving, Sandals is shifting its focus to more purposeful design,
incorporating local materials and Caribbean elements to help convey an
authentic experience of the island’s heritage. "We are purposely adding
amenities to experience the Caribbean through our eyes,"
said Danielle Darling, Senior Manager of Interior Design. The brand’s pivot
toward more authenticity in design, from suite to sand, helps guests feel
connected to the Caribbean’s natural beauty and cultural legacy.
For example, at
Jamaica’s newest brand property, Sandals
Dunn's River features the Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites
with private rooftops perfect for stargazing, with a dedicated Stargazing Concierge
to help enhance the experience. At some resorts, like Sandals
Royal Curaçao, guests in top suite categories get complimentary use of
MINIs to explore the island’s authentic and lesser-known locales at their
leisure.
Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundation collaborate with local farmers in the Caribbean. (Photo Credit: Sandals Resorts)
All-Inclusive Guests Now Seeking Active Wellness
Reflecting a shift
in the wellness travel sector, Sandals is introducing wellness experiences that
blend relaxation with active engagement. "Wellness is about finding your
energy—however or wherever you find it," said Stacy Spooner,
Corporate Director of Fitness and Spa. She posited that wellness is becoming
more personalized, and Sandals’ wellness programs are evolving to provide a
range of activities to fit various preferences. At Sandals
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, for example, such new offerings as
pickleball in a picturesque setting allow guests to combine fun and fitness
with immersion in singularly stunning surroundings.
Employee
Engagement Key to Guest Satisfaction
A deep dedication
to employee involvement is central to the ethos of Sandals Resorts
International. "Engaged team members create exceptional guest
experiences," said Jamie Green, Corporate Manager of Employee
Experience. Investing in employee development is also core to its philosophy,
so Sandals Corporate University is now offering all team members transformative
educational opportunities through more than 10,000 available training courses.
Sandals has also partnered with EON Reality to implement augmented reality (AR)
and artificial intelligence (AI) into its training programs, creating immersive
learning experiences for staff.
The Jamaica Love
Showcase underscored the crucial role of relationship-building in pushing the
tourism industry forward. The event welcomed more than 700 travel advisor
partners and inspirational speakers who were themselves a testament to strength
of collaboration within the sector, as well as representative of Sandals’ longstanding
commitment to its industry partners, the communities in which it operates and the
traveling public. Adam Stewart encapsulated the brand’s approach by saying, "Build
lasting relationships with people who care as much as you do." This level
of interconnectivity is essential to ensuring the Caribbean's future success, positioning
the region's tourism industry for continued growth and prosperity.
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