27th Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament Underway At Sandals Dunn’s River
The 27th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament hosted in partnership with Sandals Resorts and Baxter Media is underway this week in a classic destination — Jamaica — but in a fresh new location — Sandals Dunn’s River.
“We’re so excited to host this group at Sandals Dunn’s River this year,” Maureen Barnes-Smith, VP of sales & marketing for Unique Vacations (Canada) Inc. told PressToday on location from the 260-room resort. “We get an opportunity to showcase this amazing resort, which is the re-imagined Sandals Dunn’s River, it’s part of our Sandals 2.0 portfolio. It sets a brand new standard for the Sandals experience.”
In total, 88 travel industry partners, including airline and tour operator representatives from Air Canada Vacations, WestJet, Porter, Canada Jetlines, Island Routes and the Jamaica Tourist Board, as well as travel advisors from across the country, are taking part in the tournament.
“It’s a tremendous event. It’s going to be a great few days of golf and networking,” said Baxter Media president David McClung. “I’m excited to show Jamaica at its best and to show what the new Sandals has to offer. Travel agents are so important to Jamaica and to Sandals. A few things I can tell you: listen to your caddies and support the Sandals Foundation.”
Along with two days on the course, the tournament also includes fun elements like a sunset catamaran cruise, a lunch outing at Beaches Ochi and a special awards gala at Sandals Ochi.
“Everyone is getting a little taste of all we have to offer in Ocho Rios, and some amazing golf and jerk chicken is back on the golf course,” Barnes-Smith added. “The jerk shack re-opened and we have a brand new pro shop we didn’t get to see last year because it was under construction. Hopefully people will enjoy all the enhancements, also to the golf course itself.”
As for words of advice for participants, Barnes-Smith challenged the group to “sharpen their game” because the defending champions and the runner ups from last year’s tournament are back.
“It’s going to be a battle for first this year,” she added.
