Sandals Resorts Celebrates Global Travel Advisor Day with Exciting Events and Recognition

Celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day at Sandals Resorts

In a vibrant tribute to the dedicated travel advisor community, Sandals Resorts, known as the premier all-inclusive brand in the Caribbean, joined hands with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) to mark Global Travel Advisor Day on May 7, 2025. This occasion was packed with innovative programming, special events, and exceptional incentives, all aimed at acknowledging the essential contributions of travel advisors in promoting Caribbean travel.

The festivities unfolded at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which welcomed travel advisors for the 'Back to the Beach' event. Here, advisors engaged in a five-day immersive experience filled with networking, training opportunities, and unforgettable encounters amid the lush Caribbean backdrop.

In Jamaica, Sandals South Coast hosted a special luncheon that included local officials and Sandals team members to honor travel advisors, acknowledging their crucial role in the tourism sector and their impact on the local economy.

Gary C. Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc., highlighted the importance of this day: "While we celebrate travel advisors every day, this day allows us to express our gratitude more openly. They are the backbone of the travel industry, connecting travelers with unforgettable vacation moments."

The day featured an exclusive Facebook Live event, streamed on ASTA's official page, where ASTA President Zane Kerby and Gary C. Sadler discussed the latest industry updates, exciting giveaways, and strategic initiatives to bolster advisor success. Among the highlights was the introduction of the redesigned Travel Advisor Portal, which now offers enhanced tools for revenue tracking and booking management. Additionally, the newly launched Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A.) Program was unveiled, which recognizes top-performing advisors and provides them with exclusive perks, including booking incentives and enhanced support.

The annual 'Back to the Beach' event, which ran through May 8th, saw the participation of over 450 travel advisors across 12 Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The event was packed with hands-on sessions focusing on travel trends, destination weddings, dive programs, and modern social media marketing strategies. It was a unique opportunity for advisors to immerse themselves in the Caribbean ambiance while enhancing their professional knowledge.

Each participating resort also organized a special luncheon to pay respect to the advisors' contributions to regional tourism. Celebratory catamaran cruises were held for advisors at resorts in Jamaica, Nassau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks and Caicos, combining gratitude with a spirit of adventure.

Understanding the vital role that travel advisors play, the event emphasized the community's deep connections to the Caribbean islands. Through the Sandals Foundation, participants engaged in initiatives like the Pack for a Purpose program, donating educational supplies and clothing for local families. Moreover, advisors took part in reading programs aimed at improving literacy skills among local students, further strengthening community ties.

"The vital role that travel advisors play in connecting guests with Caribbean communities goes beyond booking trips," stated Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. "They facilitate meaningful experiences that enrich both visitors and local residents, significantly enhancing the travel experience."

Adding to the festivities, Trevello, Canada's largest host agency, also held its annual conference, recognizing the significant impact of travel advisors. Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, delivered a poignant message during the event, commending the advisors for their vital partnership in reshaping the Caribbean travel landscape. Stewart shared insights on upcoming expansions and improvements at Beaches Resorts, including new offerings in Turks and Caicos and other notable Caribbean destinations.

This year's Global Travel Advisor Day went beyond mere celebration. It echoed a commitment to innovation, evolution, and empowering travel advisors through recognition and resources that will help them flourish in their roles.

As part of Sandals' ongoing mission and dedication to uplifting the Caribbean and its culture, this day served as a reminder of the collective efforts to enhance the travel industry's future, ensuring that both advisors and their clients can continue to discover the unmatched joys of Caribbean destinations.

For further insights on why working with travel advisors elevates vacation experiences, listeners can tune into the latest episode of the Sandals Palmcast, featuring expert discussions from industry leaders. Likewise, the Sandals Blog provides comprehensive guides on how travel advisors craft personalized and unforgettable Caribbean escapes.

In celebration of this momentous occasion, Sandals Resorts reiterates its unwavering support for travel advisors, recognizing them as fundamental partners in the journey of celebrating the beauty and vibrancy of the Caribbean islands.

For more information about Sandals Resorts, visit www.sandals.com.

About Sandals Resorts: Sandals® Resorts provides adults-only retreats that immerse guests in the dynamic spirit of the Caribbean. With its pioneering all-inclusive offerings, Sandals boasts 17 beachfront resorts in various Caribbean islands, each reflecting the rich culture and vibrancy of its location. They offer a unique blend of local and global culinary delights and unmatched service, exemplifying a commitment to comprehensive vacation experiences that empower travelers to fully unwind and explore.

About Beaches Resorts: Affiliated with Sandals, Beaches is a family-oriented all-inclusive resort that caters to guests of all ages, emphasizing fun-filled activities for children. With locations in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, and future expansions on the horizon, Beaches focuses on creating lasting family memories through engaging experiences that both children and parents can cherish.

About ASTA: The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is the leading advocate for travel advisors and the travel industry. Representing a significant portion of travel sales through the agency distribution channel, ASTA continues to support and enhance the professionalism of travel advisors across the United States and beyond.

Overall, Global Travel Advisor Day at Sandals Resorts was a splendid affirmation of the essential role travel advisors play in enriching the travel landscape and fostering positive connections between travelers and the Caribbean community.