Caribbean News
A Commitment to ‘Open the Doors of The Caribbean to The World:’
The Sandals Organization and American Airlines Discuss Regional Airlift
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, December 9, 2022 – Bringing attention to the crucial importance of robust airlift to the region, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Executive Chairman Adam Stewart led a team of top executives at a meeting with American Airlines (AA) in Dallas, TX today.
“The Caribbean is a region as diverse in its stunning beauty as it is in the cultures that bring its storied islands to life. But for all its remarkable differences, island countries have a collective requirement, the need to cross the sea to get there. And for that, the region has turned again and again to American Airlines,” said Stewart. “Their unwavering support in connecting the Caribbean to the world has been a marvel to visitors discovering our home and a crucial link to Caribbean people who rely on the economic engine that is tourism. As we look to the future, we are proud of our long and steadfast partnership that has served our customers and Caribbean communities so well.”
Discussions between SRI and American Airlines demonstrated the strength of the relationship between the organizations and their joint commitment to the critical issue of air travel to the Caribbean.
“Advocating to preserve and expand air access in the region is indeed good for Sandals, but more than that, it is good for the Caribbean. Our team has the resources and the ability to demonstrate the power of increased lift on Caribbean economies. Ensuring reliable connections between major international markets in economies driven by tourism means more jobs and more opportunity. We rise together,” said Stewart.
AA’s Managing Director Caribbean, Latin America and Florida Sales Christine Valls, recognised the airline’s long-standing and valuable relationship with Sandals, “American is proud to serve as a leading airline in the Caribbean,
and we are encouraged by our partnership with Sandals Resorts International, together having a tremendous economic impact on the entire region and helping open the doors of the Caribbean to the world.”
The SRI team was led by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and included Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainier. Unique Vacations, Inc., (UVI) the worldwide representatives for Sandals and Beaches Resorts were also in attendance with a team comprised of Chief Executive Officer Jeff Clarke, Executive Vice-President of Sales and Industry Relations Gary Sadler, Senior Vice President of Brand Development Tony Cortizas, Vice President of Trade Sales Garth Laird, Vice President of Tour Operators Sales and Marketing Melissa Sangster and Vice President of Airline Relations and Sales Development Alex Marte.
The American Airlines team comprised Chief Customer Officer Alison Taylor, Vice President of Global Sales Thomas Rajan, Vice President of Operations and Commercial MCLA Jose Frieg, Managing Director Caribbean, Latin America and Florida Sales Christine Valls, Managing Director Global Brand Marketing Dana Lawrence, Managing Director Global Network Planning Jason Reisinger, Managing Director AAdvantage – Member Engagement Heather Samp, Sales Director Florida, Caribbean, Central America, US Latin, Guyana & Suriname Haydee Blanco, Director Sales Programs Jared Cox, and Sales Manager Caribbean, US Latin, Guyana & Suriname Marvin Alvarez-Ochoa.
Gary Sadler, Executive Vice-President of Sales and Industry Relations for UVI said the meeting showcases Sandals’ continued commitment to the entire Caribbean tourism sector. He added that the incredible relationship Sandals has with AA has been fueling efforts to ensure that the region gets the level of service and increased seats it needs for its survival.
According to Sadler, “American is the largest airline partner in the world, and its relationship with other airlines as part of the One World Alliance is crucial to drive connectivity to the region. In fact, they just announced a partnership with Gol Airlines from Latin America, which will see additional flights into Curacao and Barbados. They understand the value of partnership, and we will continue to work with them, to ensure that the Caribbean region gets what it deserves.”
Release: Sandals Resorts
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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