Join the Conversation: In-Person Town Hall Highlights Sandals Resorts Recovery
In a recent in-person Town Hall event, Onanta Forbes from Travel Time Inc. in Calgary emphasized that her clients are now considering Sandals Dunn’s River as a viable alternative to the popular Sandals South Coast. This strategic shift comes as a response to the ongoing recovery efforts following the impact of Hurricane Melissa on parts of Jamaica, particularly Black River and the south coast.
Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, provided updates on the hurricane’s effects during a virtual Town Hall last month, underscoring the significant influence of Melissa on Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast. Stewart’s commitment to transparency was echoed in the latest in-person session, which he hosted alongside Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President for Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations Inc.
The hurricane left many areas, including Black River, in a state of recovery, but industry optimism remains high. Agents who participated in this FAM trip brought supplies to aid local recovery efforts. The Town Hall also featured a presentation from Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, highlighting community initiatives to support and revitalize affected areas.
Travel agents are eager to reassure their clients that Jamaica is ready for tourism. Coombs and Waite confirmed that many of their clients are poised to book trips once they receive confirmation that their favorite destinations have recovered. “I’ve got clients waiting to hear from me right after this trip,” said Edwards, showcasing the keen interest in returning to Jamaica.
As Maureen Barnes-Smith, VP of Sales & Marketing for Unique Vacations (Canada) Inc., mentioned during the kick-off party, “tourism is the backbone of Jamaica,” emphasizing the importance of supporting the local economy through travel. Agents are encouraged to promote Jamaica as a prime destination for vacationers looking for beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
Moreover, courtesy of Island Routes, agents had the opportunity to explore Ocho Rios’ key attractions, including the stunning Mystic Mountain. Just a short drive from Sandals Dunn’s River, Mystic Mountain offers exhilarating experiences like the Rainforest Bobsled ride, which takes visitors on a thrilling descent through lush terrain.
Guests traversed the scenic landscape via the Sky Explorer chairlift, reaching breathtaking heights of 700 feet above sea level. Other exciting activities included a catamaran cruise, golf, and adventures at Yaaman Adventure Park, ensuring travel agents gained firsthand knowledge to better serve their clients.
To learn more about the recovery efforts and the myriad attractions awaiting visitors, watch for additional coverage on Sandals Resorts ‘Back to Jamaica’ trip, including highlights from the recent Town Hall, in Travelweek Daily on December 8.
In closing, the collective effort to restore tourism in Jamaica exemplifies the resilience of the region, inviting both travel agents and vacationers to rediscover the beauty and warmth of this renowned destination.
