Unbridled Passion at the 29th Annual World Travel Award Caribbean & The Americas Gala

04-09-22

The 29th Annual World Travel Award Caribbean & The Americas Gala made a dazzling return to an in person format on August 31st at Sandals Montego Bay, acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Reuniting a spirited crowd of distinguished leaders, tour operators, government officials and guests, the event marked a full circle celebration at Sandals' first-ever property and Jamaica's Leading Resort 2022 recipient – a milestone moment during the brand's 40th anniversary year.

"It's immensely gratifying, humbling and surreal to be celebrating the amazing strides we have made on this journey to immerse our beloved guests in the most beautiful corners of the Caribbean – and to be a part of those special moments that make travel so magical," said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI). "Forty years ago, my father had a dream that he made real right here, at Sandals Montego Bay, our first resort. Witnessing the evolution of our industry over the decades and what we have accomplished together, as one – now that deserves to be celebrated and for that we are all winners."

Amid spectacular cultural dance performances and stirred by Caribbean beats, over the course of the evening, SRI was honored with 14 awards including the coveted Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand for the 29th year in a row. New pursuits, including Sandals' first ever resort in the Dutch Caribbean, Sandals Royal Curaçao, was awarded with Curaçao's Leading All-Inclusive Resort, while the uniquely reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian, which debuted in January 2022, earned Bahamas' Leading All-Inclusive Resort.

A first-of-its-kind special award was presented to Sandals Resorts International for its Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality & Tourism Industry. The moving tribute was a celebratory nod to the company's influence on the industry, innovation and impact over its 40-year history. Through programs like the 40 for 40 Initiative, along with Future Goals – a program that turns fishing nets sourced from the ocean and recycled plastic waste into soccer goals for children in Curaçao, the company has been instrumental in transforming communities, empowering people and making a difference for four decades and counting.

"This recognition is nothing if not a testament to our Sandals Resorts family – our 15,000 Team Members – and the fierce passion, intention and genuine love we put into all we do. From moving the needle on the guest experience to sustaining a link between tourism and its power to transform lives, what we've built here goes far beyond a resort company. It's the Sandals Resorts legacy," said Stewart. "Tonight is proof that the challenges of yesterday should never define the possibilities of tomorrow. That is the essence of innovation; the idea that better is always within reach. And we have never been more excited for the future."