Agents honoured at Sandals’ 19th annual STAR awards
More than 400 travel advisors recently attended a weeklong celebration at Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the 19th edition of the Sandals Travel Advisor Recognition (STAR) Awards.
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,” he added.
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.
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 impactful 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.
Canadian 2024 STAR Awards Winners
Top Sandals Travel Agency – Canada | Travel Time by Trevello
Top Beaches Travel Agency – Canada | The Travel Agent Next Door
Top Host Travel Agency – Canada | Trevello Travel Group
Rising Stars – Canada
- Tourcan Vacations, Inc – Toronto, ON
- Voyages le Village Hudson – Hudson, QC
- Laurier Du Vallon – Ste-Foy, QC
- Verona Travel – Bradford, ON
For more details on all Sandals Resorts Travel Advisor Programs, please call your local Sandals BDM or Inside Sales at 1-800-545-8283 and visit the Sandals Travel Advisor Portal (taportal.sandals.com)
