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Bartlett Lobbies for Power Star Michael Rainey Jr. to be a Local Youth Ambassador

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Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that actor Michael Rainey, Jr., best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on Starz network’s hit drama series Power, is an ideal candidate to become an official Jamaica Youth Ambassador for the country.

The Minister made this announcement during a recent courtesy call at the Minister’s New Kingston offices, where  the young actor who was accompanied by his mother Shauna Small; publicist, JLexy Brooks, and Management Assistant, Jared Pessoa.

“This is a good moment, I am really inspired [by you] myself. The response you probably expected is that he is great for tourism, and you are, but you are much more than that. Michael is great to be a role model for Jamaica’s youth who need to have a sense of what they can accomplish,” said Minister Bartlett.

“I would love to have him have another conversation with us, which is beyond tourism where we can look at him in a more extensive way to give inspiration not just to a market that is going to need his image but to a country that is going to need his kind of efforts, especially coming out of Covid-19,” he added.

Rainey, who recently received his Jamaican citizenship, is a lead actor on Power Book II: Ghost, which is currently the Starz network’s most-watched series.

Despite his early rise to fame, the 20-year-old Rainey says his primary goal is to use his platform to inspire youth to acknowledge their endless potential and to work hard to achieve their dream careers.

“The big thing in my career is being able to inspire kids my age or even younger than me to know that they can do whatever they want in life. Whether it is to be an activist, or play basketball or play football or be a doctor or anything.

I just want to make sure kids know that it is possible and there is always faith in anything you do. That is definitely what I enjoy the most about being in that position,” said Rainey.

In the drama, Michael leads a star studded cast, which is a direct spin off from the hit series Power. Michael starred as Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series Power, in a leading role alongside Omari Hardwick, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Naturi Naughton. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Bartlett Mourns Death of Shipping Stalwart Harry Maragh

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Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed condolences to the family and loved-ones of the late Harriat “Harry” Maragh, past president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) and chairman of Lannaman & Morris Group of Companies.

“I was very saddened to learn about the passing of one of Jamaica’s stalwarts in the tourism and shipping industries, Harry Maragh. He was always pleasant and the consummate professional. This is indeed a great loss for our industry and he will be truly missed,” said Minister Bartlett.

Maragh’s company Lannaman and Morris is credited as the shipping agent for cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America, Costa Cruises and Aida Cruises. He also the founding manager of the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal.  Over the years, Lannaman & Morris has become the leading cruise agent, representing in excess of 75 per cent of all cruises that call at Jamaican ports.

“I greatly admire our homegrown talent who start from humble beginnings and go on to do great things for the nation.  He started as a validating/traffic clerk with Lannaman & Morris and later bought the company which has represents in excess of 75 per cent of all cruise lines that call on Jamaica. The success of our industry could not have happened without the stewardship of this great Jamaican.

I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Charmaine and the rest of their family as well as to his staff, who I am sure will miss him dearly. May God continue to provide you comfort during this very difficult period of mourning,” said Minister Bartlett.

In expressing her condolences, Executive Director of the Jamaica Vacations Ltd (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts said, “As one of the main agents for cruise ships with the responsibility of acting as the agent for major cruise ships arriving at our ports, we have worked very closely with Lannamans. Mr. Maragh was very hands-on as CEO, always approachable and reliable, always willing to assist when challenges arise.”

“He was a source of knowledge, expertise and was a great support due to his experience and relationship with the cruise lines. He assisted with giving invaluable advice on the industry and nurtured collaborations between Jamaican stakeholders and cruise executives. He continued to always make that call and assist to the very end. His passing will be a great loss for the cruise industry,” she added.

Maragh served on the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s board of directors as chairman of the audit sub-committee and the human resources sub-committee from June 2012 to February 2016.  At the time of his passing, Harry Maragh was chairman of the Kingston Port Workers Superannuation Fund, a post he had held since 2003. He was also a director of Express Catering and Margaritaville Turks & Caicos.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Sandals Foundation and Hasbro Spread Holiday Cheer to Caribbean Children

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More than 10,000 children experienced a little more joy this holiday season with brand-new toys and games donated by the Sandals Foundation in their annual Christmas Toy Drive.

As the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, the Sandals Foundation’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive has been a staple calendar event for more than 10 years through the generous donation from valued partner, Hasbro, Inc.  Iconic toys of the global play and entertainment company include Nerf, Magic: The Gathering, My Little Pony, and Transformers.

Additionally, support for the annual Toy Drive also comes from Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ team members, visiting guests, and travel industry partners.

While the customary parties were not be held, this year’s region-wide approach galvanized the logistical support of the Salvation Army, police force, schools, and local community groups to carefully distribute more than 10,800 toys to children across the Caribbean – all while bearing in mind the health and safety protocols of the respective countries.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, explained that in light of the challenges experienced this year, it was critical to maintain a semblance of normalcy, particularly during the holidays.

“Christmas is a magical time for children and this year should be no different. Because it has been such a tough time for families across the Caribbean, it was even more important for us to do what we could to help bring joy and, of course, a sense of hope through the delivery of these gifts.”

“Our invaluable partners at Hasbro,” Clarke continued, “have been truly supportive of our mission, and we are pleased that we have been able to find a way to get these toys safely in the hands of some of our most deserving children.”

Shipments of toys have been delivered in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados.

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Tourism and Culture Ministers Urge Everyone to Buy Jamaican This Christmas

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, have joined forces in calling on Jamaicans and other persons seeking gift items, to use the yuletide season to shop locally and support and buy Jamaican designers, artisans and other local producers of goods and services.

Their appeal was made at the third annual staging of the Tourism Linkages Network’s Style Jamaica event, a fashion show featuring 14 Jamaican designers whose creations, the ministers agreed, could stand out against any of their international counterparts. This year’s event was also paired with the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) new e-Chrismus Marketplace initiative, which is an online shopping marketplace showcasing a range of products from Jamaican designers and artisans.

The two-day event runs from December 16 to 17 and is being staged virtually at the newly opened Main Street Jamaica shopping facility (Formerly The Shoppes at Rose Hall), in Montego Bay, St. James. The location’s linkages concept promotes the best of Jamaica to international travellers with shopping as a major part of their visitor experience. The Style Jamaica event also presented Jamaican participants with an international marketing avenue through an online shopping platform.

“The online marketing of products and services is now the norm and our Jamaican consumers are beginning to appreciate that this comes with other benefits that in themselves add value in terms of cost-savings and even time-savings, in getting goods from the producer to the consumer,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Minister then urged everyone to buy Jamaican this Christmas. He stressed that: “Especially at this time though, I want to invite our Jamaicans to show confidence in ourselves and give meaning to ‘Buy Jamaican’. We are approaching the season of giving to friends and loved ones, a loving act that COVID-19 and social distancing cannot stop, and I really want to appeal to everyone to shop Jamaican this ‘Chrismus’.”

“That special item you may desire is literally at your fingertips. Just visit the shoppinginja.com/echrismus platform and there you will find an amazing array of gift items that are available from local suppliers who are eager for you to contact them,” he added.

While endorsing the call for persons to support local producers when shopping this Christmas, Minister Grange said “shopping is a major area for tourism and Destination Jamaica is one of the great brands.”

She also saw the Main Street Jamaica concept as capturing the essence of what Jamaica is all about, adding that: “What it has done is to present what Jamaica is about; its culture, its music, its food and the great talent our artisans have and has brought all of this together with brands of the world and to show that we can stand up and be a part of what the world is all about.”

Minister Bartlett noted that it was with the knowledge that shopping was one of the most important activities for tourists, and also an important factor in the choice of destination for many, that shopping was identified as one of the must-haves in the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the TEF, which now helps to drive efforts to diversify Jamaica’s product offering.

He said the objectives of Style Jamaica were in keeping with the broader objectives of the tourism sector as it sought to promote Jamaica as a premium shopping destination; promote and highlight local designers to the tourism market, and to diversify the on-island shopping experience. This year’s staging therefore leveraged the growing online market trend even as it sought to develop authentic and unique shopping experiences that add value to the Jamaican tourism product.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Sandals Resorts Elevates All-Inclusive Portfolio With Luxurious Renovations Across Jamaican Resorts

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Sandals Resorts International, the world’s leading all-inclusive company, has officially unveiled the world’s first-ever Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites and completely reimagined 112-room beachfront Dutch Village at its stunning Jamaican escape, Sandals South Coast. In addition to this exciting resort update, the all-inclusive leader is pleased to announce a second resort upgrade, as Sandals Royal Caribbean has officially revealed its beautifully renovated poolside rooms across its Caernarvon and Arundel buildings.

The first-ever Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites at Sandals South Coast are Jamaica’s newest and most secluded luxury accommodations. Each suite features zero-entry swim up access, a private plunge pool, an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two, and Sandals Resorts’ new signature Serenity Swing with scenic views. Not to mention, the stunning suites are in the brand-new South Seas Village situated on the longest swim-up pool in the western hemisphere at 17,040 sq. ft.

To round out Sandals South Coast’s portfolio of romantic upgrades, the secluded retreat also debuted the fully renovated Dutch Swim-Up Village, setting the scene for modern relaxation inspired by the sea. The new village boasts 112 magnificent, beachfront rooms with outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, freestanding tubs with a separate shower in select categories and direct swim-up pool access for select rooms, offering a true romantic escape just waiting to be discovered.

Continuing the renovation momentum, Sandals Royal Caribbean also unveiled a sweeping array of enhancements, with the renovation of 36 rooms across its Caernarvon and Arundel buildings for guests to enjoy. Located in the resort’s Caribbean Village and joining the new Sandringham building introduced earlier this year, the newly renovated poolside rooms feature custom furniture, Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, new bathrooms and more enhancements that completely update and modernize the rooms, offering guests the most luxurious accommodations possible. Additional enhancements at Sandals Royal Caribbean, include developments to the South Pool and surrounding area, including a new jacuzzi, new cabanas with outdoor fans and lighting, and a new outdoor shower.

This news comes on the heels of the three recently introduced restaurant concepts at Sandals Royal Caribbean, including: 

  • Spices, which brings Pan-Caribbean favorites to the table for an authentic island restaurant experience 
  • Bombay Club, which offers authentic Indian cuisine – from flavorful dishes like Butter Chicken, to delicious vegan and vegetarian options like Aloo Gobi 
  • La Tavola, which allows guests to share in the comfort, cuisine and camaraderie found around every Italian table 

These enhancements add to each resort’s already cutting-edge architectural design features, including the intimate and lavishly designed Over-the-Water Bungalows at both Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean, as well as the sought-after Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel, brand-new Wedding Garden venue and Latitudes Overwater Bar at Sandals South Coast, offering guests endless vacation choices.

Sandals® Resorts:

Sandals Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 16 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and now Curacao, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers; the Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines, and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and Sandals Customizable Weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts guarantees guests peace of mind from arrival to departure with the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, the company’s enhanced health and safety measures designed to give guests the utmost confidence when vacationing in the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit www.sandals.com.

Guests visiting Sandals Royal Caribbean can now stay in fully reimagined rooms

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Ring in the New Year in Thailand with Centara

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The end of the year is nearly upon us, so gather your family and friends and celebrate in style with Centara Hotels & Resorts! Thailand’s leading hotel operator is giving all local residents the chance to mark the arrival of 2021 with exclusive packages all across the Kingdom. So, whether you want to ring in the New Year with a glittering rooftop party or a romantic beachfront retreat, Centara has the perfect option.

Thai nationals and expats who book a stay on December 31, 2020, at a choice of 12 Centara hotels and resorts in Thailand, will be treated to a wealth of enticing extras that are sure to add a little extra sparkle to every stay. On the day of arrival, guests will receive a guaranteed early check-in, to make their year-end adventure last as long as possible, as well as a complimentary upgrade to next room category (upon request).

Couples, families and friends can spend the last day of the year exploring the wonders of their chosen destination, or simply unwinding at their hotel or resort. With a 20% discount on all spa treatments, guests can end 2020 feeling fully refreshed and relaxed! Then as the sun sets, Centara will host a series of spectacular New Year’s Eve dinners filled with festive cheer and goodwill. With a table for two included in every package, this magical New Year’s Eve will live long in the memory.

The final day of the year is not only an occasion for couples, however, families are invited to bring their children, with free stays for up to two children at every hotel. Then on the first morning of 2021, Centara will offer complimentary breakfast for two people.

Centara’s New Year’s Eve packages are available at a choice of 12 hotels and resorts in diverse and highly-desirable destinations all across the Kingdom, including Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Trat, Rayong, Krabi, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Mae Sot and Udon Thani. So, whether you’re seeking a blissful beachfront break, a stylish city staycation, a fun-filled family holiday or an enchanting upcountry escape, everyone can ring in the New Year with their loved ones in Thailand with Centara.

Rates for this enticing package start from just THB 1,920 net per room per night for CentaraThe1 members. Not a member yet? Register for free at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/sign-up.
 
The New Year’s Eve packages must be purchased by December 31, 2020 and stays must be taken on December 31, 2020. Terms and conditions apply.
 
For more information and reservations, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/featured-packages/new-year-eve-package

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 81 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group’s newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui.

Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centers and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travelers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty program, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com  

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International Media, Centara Hotels & Resorts

pornchanokth@chr.co.th                         Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts

Email: puntirach@chr.co.th                     Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

Jerome Richard

VP, Communications – Delivering Asia Communications

Tel. +66 (0) 90 902 5407

Email: jr@deliveringasia.com

Sandals Resorts: 2nd Annual Stewart Family Philanthropic Award Announced

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Father-and-son Caribbean hospitality leaders and devout philanthropists, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman & Founder of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), and Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of SRI, have made it their personal and corporate social responsibility to shape the lives and the future of the Caribbean for over 40 years. Through the family’s personal philanthropic efforts and the charitable work of the Sandals Foundation, the Stewart family has worked to positively transform the Caribbean while closely watching those that have also helped pave the way for a better future, giving back to the land and people they love most along the way. Together, they recognize those who possess their same dedication to giving back and honor those that have gone above and beyond to create a positive impact on the Caribbean and its beloved people.

Formalized in 2019, The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award recognizes the long-standing history of doing good in the Caribbean and honors executives, partners, and individuals whose exceptional leadership in the philanthropic sector has strengthened, built up and inspired entire Caribbean communities. Joseph Wright (a.k.a. “Papa Joe”), Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc. was virtually presented with the coveted award by Adam Stewart on behalf of the Stewart family for his selfless dedication to providing services including dental care, eye care, literacy, computer training and equipment across the Caribbean. In attendance to honor Papa Joe were Great Shape! Inc.’s co-founders, executives and volunteers, the 2019 award recipient Heidi Clarke, representatives from the Sandals Foundation and many General Managers and PR Managers of Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts, including long-time friend and GM of Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Kevin Clarke.

“Receiving The Stewart Family Philanthropy Award is truly one of the greatest honors of my lifetime, especially coming from the family who set the standard of philanthropy in the Caribbean so high over the decades,” stated Papa Joe. “I’m incredibly humbled and deeply moved to have the culmination of my life’s work recognized by the Stewart family, but truth be told, I really have to accept this award on behalf of every one of the 7,000 plus alumni volunteer heroes, our hard working team members, selfless board, generous supporters, community partners and countless others who collectively are the reason this award is even possible. Most importantly, the significance of this award is reflected in the hundreds of thousands of persons who can now smile better, see better, and learn better. In the end, this is all that truly matters,” continued Papa Joe.

As the Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc., Papa Joe has been carrying out the vision of the charity’s original co-founders Myrtle Franklin, Georgene Crowe and Gretchen Lee – to lead some of the world’s largest, international humanitarian projects. Wright was instrumental in forging the Great Shape! partnership with Sandals Negril in 2003 for its 1000 Smiles Dental Project, which provided volunteer dental services in exchange for a barter of hotel rooms. Together with the Sandals Foundation and SRI, the program has provided over 250,000 Jamaicans in rural communities to-date with access to free dental care, root canals, a sealant project, and a denture program. The project also expanded to neighboring sister islands St. Lucia (2015) and Grenada (2018).

Additionally, Papa Joe helped orchestrate the launch of the iCARE Vision Project in 2009, expanding their services to provide free glasses, cataract surgery, Glaucoma treatment, children’s screenings and more. Nearly 45,000 patients in the islands of Jamaica, Turks & Caicos and Antigua have benefitted over the past decade. Furthermore, in partnership with the Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Education, two literacy programs under Wright’s tenure – the SuperKids Literacy Project (2008) in Jamaica and the Teach the Teachers Project (2015) – have impacted over 115,000 students and 1,000 teachers in Jamaica.

“Papa Joe’s vision of building meaningful connections and seeing the Caribbean smile, year after year, decade after decade is not only inspiring, but empowering, and we are so honored to present this award to such an exemplary individual,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of SRI. “As we continue partnering together to transform the islands, we look to his example of dedication as the standard, having full confidence of the change it can create and the greatness it can instill in others to do the same for generations to come.”

The Stewart family annually celebrates those whose strong commitment to philanthropy and charitable work contribute to the greater good of the region they call home. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, was honored as the first ever recipient of The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award in 2019 for her decade-long service and dedication to the Sandals Foundation. Over the years, Clarke has helped impact close to 1 million people in the region and has implemented hundreds of projects and programs valued at over $70 million dollars to-date. The Stewart family is extremely thankful for philanthropic trailblazers such as Heidi Clarke and Papa Joe for their devout dedication to the Caribbean and look forward to honoring future recipients for their transformative impact made across Caribbean communities.

Current and future recipients of The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award must exemplify:

  • Dedication to improving the lives of others, carving out success and creating real change.
  • Promotion of positive environmental and social transformation.
  • Breaking out from the norm, thinking, and doing different to serve his or her fellow Caribbean citizens.
  • Transforming the power of a program idea into action, impacting entire communities. 
  • Providing opportunity to underrepresented, poor, and marginalized youth, playing an integral role in changing the lives of Caribbean children and families.
  • Evidence of meaningful contributions to the nonprofit sector and significant achievements in his or her field, and/or the service sector.
  • Ability to build and use organizational infrastructure to increase mission and community impact.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience serving others to create lasting change in the Caribbean and beyond.

To learn more about The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award and its past recipients, please visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org/stewartphilanthropicaward .

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Testament to Sandals Resorts Dedication: 4 World Travel Awards

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Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announced that the company has received four prestigious awards at the 27th annual World Travel Awards Grand Final on November 27, 2020. Most notably, Sandals Resorts International was dubbed the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company for the 25th consecutive year, setting the bar as an industry leader in the all-inclusive space.

In total Sandals Resorts International took home four trophies, solidifying the company’s position as an industry trailblazer in the all-inclusive space. The Caribbean resort company’s top honors included:

World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company 2020: Sandals Resorts International
World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand 2020: Beaches Resorts
World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2020: Sandals Grenada
World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company 2020: Island Routes Caribbean Adventures

“We are beyond humbled to be recognized as the world’s leading all-inclusive company by the World Travel Awards for 25 consecutive years,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Founder and Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “Despite the challenges faced by the travel industry over the course of 2020, these awards are a testament to the team’s continued dedication to ensuring Sandals Resorts is a brand customers can always trust.”

This year was one for the books for Sandals Resorts International. Not only did Sandals Resorts win the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company, but Beaches Resorts – its family-friendly all-inclusive brand – was named the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand for the 23rd consecutive year. With three magnificent resorts spanning across Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, and a fourth resort coming to the island of St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Beaches Resorts has redefined the family vacation experience by offering a Caribbean escape for everyone – whether you’re a kid, tween, teen or adult.

Furthermore, the resort that takes innovation beyond the realm of imagination, Sandals Grenada, was named the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2020, by the World Travel Awards. With its private plunge pools, cascading waterfalls, unparalleled Love Nest Butler Suites® and 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at 10 different restaurants, Sandals Grenada is the ultimate romantic retreat for couples in love. Sandals Grenada was also recently awarded as Grenada’s Best MICE Hotel 2020 by the World M.I.C.E Awards, the World Travel Awards’ sister event, which serves to celebrate and reward excellence in MICE tourism.

Taking home, the World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company for the 10th year is Sandals Resorts International’s sister company Island Routes Caribbean Adventures. Island Routes offers guests off-site experiences that truly immerse them in the local culture and beauty the islands have to offer.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 for the sole purpose of acknowledging and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year the World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective successes within each key geographical region.

For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Health and Wellness Key to Driving Tourism Industry Post COVID – Bartlett

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Health and wellness tourism has been identified as a key area that will help to drive growth in the Jamaica tourism industry moving forward, in light of the new norm created in the global travel and hospitality market, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This position was outlined by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett at the opening of the two-day Jamaica Health and Wellness Tourism Conference now underway at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. This is the second such conference being hosted by the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), and with physical attendance restricted by COVID-19 protocols, this year’s event is being streamed live to online participants.

Minister Bartlett said: “Health and Wellness will become one of the key cornerstones for destination differentiation in our tourism marketing. This is primarily because the new demographic emerging, Gen C, are going to be the new drivers of travel and they are going to require destinations that have strong health security properties.”

He noted that the Jamaican people are key players in the new thrust. “This is one of the reasons why we are going to be focusing heavily on building the capacity of our people to better take care of themselves and also to provide those elements of care that are going to be fitting the need that the visitors have when they come to the country,” said the Tourism Minister.

He proffered that the coronavirus pandemic has provided a new opportunity in the health and wellness tourism arena while also creating great demand for the island to be more pristine by making a greater investment in destination assurance. “Jamaica is going to have to establish itself as a destination where the confidence that the visitor wants, that he is going to be safe and secure, and he will have a seamless experience, is never second guessed,” underscored Minister Bartlett.

He says Jamaica’s tourism marketing will focus heavily on that as it seeks to woo back hundreds of thousands of visitors whose travel plans have been derailed since February this year by the pandemic. In that regard, Mr. Bartlett disclosed that an international team has begun work on Jamaica’s Destination Assurance Policy which will become the guiding light for the country’s own strategies to ensure better management of the destination.

The new tourism marketing thrust is supported by President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Clifton Reader who said “coming out of COVID-19 there will be a great demand, especially for older people travelling; they have the money to travel and they are going to bring their families, but, of course, they have preexisting conditions.”

Stating that health and wellness tourism was a very lucrative US billion dollar industry, Mr. Reader said: “When you look at the economic viability of this area, it is tremendous and Jamaica is so poised with all the facilities we have.” The JHTA president also said it was very important that through collaboration with government and private stakeholders, that the medical facilities within Jamaica be developed to attract more travelers.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Tourism Linkages Network to Host Major Spa Standards Workshop says Bartlett

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As part of efforts to encourage the adoption of national and international standards by spas across the island, the Tourism Linkages Network will be hosting a free two-day Spa Standards Workshop, beginning next Monday, November 16, 2020. The workshop will seek to sensitize the industry about the Linkages Network’s newly developed COVID-19 Safety Manual for Jamaican Spas, which is the first of its kind in the region.

The manual incorporates existing protocols for spas from the Ministry of Tourism’s COVID-19 protocol document as well as the standards outlined by the International Spa Association.

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, highlighted that: “This year a record 498 persons have registered for the workshop, which will be streamed on the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s social media pages, on November 16 and 17.”

“This is a very important workshop which will include presentations on topics such as: ‘Visioning the Spa Industry through destination integrity and assurance,’ Understanding the requirements of the Spa Standard JS319, as well as a presentation on the new COVID-19 Safety Manual for Spas,” he explained.

The Ministry’s training arm, the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation, will also be collaborating on this initiative to offer Spa Certification training for qualified spa practitioners.

The Spa Standards and Certification program began in 2017, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Jamaica Bureau of Standards and the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). To date, over 250 stakeholders across the island have benefited.

The Tourism Linkages Network will also be hosting its second annual Jamaica Health and Wellness Tourism Conference from Wednesday, November 18 to Thursday, November 19 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, under the theme: “Reset, Reimagine, Restore.”

“The conference will bring together leaders in the health and wellness tourism industry from Jamaica, the Caribbean and around the world for one of the most important conferences on Jamaica’s tourism schedule. This year’s conference will be a hybrid event with limited in person attendance and live streaming via social media, which will bring the activity to the entire global wellness tourism community,” Minister Bartlett outlined. 

Additional information on both events can be accessed at: wellnessinja.com

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729