World’s leading all-inclusive company continues efforts to drive recovery of Caribbean tourism
DALLAS, TEXAS — A landmark meeting between top executives of American Airlines (AA) and Sandals Resorts International (SRI) took place at the American Airlines Headquarters in Dallas, Texas, on June 27 at a time when the regional tourism and hospitality sector is working hard to restore airlift to the Caribbean after the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sandals team was led by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainier and also included Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations for Unique Vacations (UVI) Gary Sadler, along with UVI Chief Executive Officer Jeff Clarke and Senior Vice President of Brand Development Tony Cortizas. Unique Vacations is the exclusive marketing partner for Sandals Resorts.
The American Airlines team comprised of Vice President of Global Sales Kyle Mabry, Chief Customer Officer Alison Taylor and Managing Director for Latin America, Caribbean and Florida Sales Christine Valls.
This is the first time AA, one of the world’s largest airline companies, has hosted a Caribbean hotel company for such a meeting, and Stewart said this is part of Sandals’ ongoing efforts to help drive the recovery of the regional tourism sector.
“This meeting could not have come at a better time as we seek to restore the airlift that is so vital to the region’s hospitality and tourism sector,” he said.
“The incredible relationship Sandals has with American Airlines has led to enormous benefits for the many destinations where Sandals now operates, and we expect they will soon begin planning for increased flights to the destinations where we will soon be operating, such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Curacao.
“I remember my dad, the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, used to always boast that wherever Sandals establishes a resort, the airlines were sure to follow, and I am beyond proud that along with the amazing teams at Sandals and Unique Vacations, we continue to carry on and build on that legacy.”
The Sandals team made quite a splash as they arrived at the American Airlines headquarters in a fleet of Sandals and Beaches branded cars. They were taken on a tour of the facility, where they got a chance to get up close with some historic American Airlines equipment on display.
Stewart thanked AA for the incredible support it had already provided thus far in helping to support recovery efforts, and as the Sandals team left the meeting, he assured there was much to look forward to.
“Over the last 14 months, American has demonstrated a level of strength and agility in a highly complex time and we appreciate it. If there is one thing COVID-19 has shown us, [it] is the power of partnerships and relationships,” he said.
“Business does not come to those who wait; it’s about getting out and making it happen.
“We are pleased to be in a position where we can advocate on behalf of the entire Caribbean, and assist with trying to re-establish and enhance the routes that all our islands depend on to not just to bring visitors, but to connect with the rest of the world.”
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