Sandals Resorts has already had a positive impact on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as noted by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The opulent all-inclusive chain gave the nation hope during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the La Soufrière volcano eruption in 2021.
Gonsalves spoke to visitors during Sandals St. Vincent’s recent grand opening, “During COVID, unemployment went up, and there was a decline in economic activity in the region. At the time we also had volcanic eruptions. Sandals came to us with a proposal to recruit Vincentians and send them to their resorts across the Caribbean to be trained. We had to evacuate 20,000 persons, with some in shelters for four to six months. Along came a friend in Sandals who said they could ease some of the pressure, providing opportunities for 500 people, and these little things talk to me about partnership.”
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“This might have been small for Sandals, but it was a huge thing for us in the condition in which we found ourselves, and I want to thank Sandals and Adam,” Speaking of Adam Stewart, the son of the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the founder of the renowned resort business, Sandals Resorts, he added.
“It is an understatement really to call Sandals a brand. It has become an existential part of our Caribbean civilization. This civilization is tailor-made for tourism and Butch Stewart has helped to shape this aspect of the material to help sustain us. I think that when the history of the 20th into the 21st century is written, there would be a towering place for this legend,” PM Gonsalves stated.
Prime Minister Gonsalves described his nation’s plans to honor Butch Stewart’s legacy and his contributions to the growth of the Caribbean’s tourist industry and economy, emphasizing that the two had a terrific connection.
“The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines had indicated to Sandals that we will build the road coming to the entrance of the hotel. Having built it, we will call it the Gordon “Butch” Stewart Boulevard,” Gonsalves made his announcement to resounding cheers.
The eighteenth resort in the Sandals group in the Caribbean is Sandals St Vincent and the Grenadines. Scattered over 50 verdant acres, it provides 301 rooms and apartments.
Stewart states that the chain’s newest resort “is a multi-generational act in the making that began with my extraordinary father, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, and Prime Minister Gonsalves many years ago”.
He stated that the two guys had made serious attempts to fly the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines not just in that nation but also on every other Caribbean island where Sandals functions.
“Little did we know that 43 years later the Sandals brand would grow from one 99-room hotel in Montego Bay to a top 500 brand known on the world stage as a super brand. The only Caribbean-born commercial super brand known across the United States, Europe, and Canada, with over 84 percent brand penetration and recognition,” he stated.
Stewart discussed the implications of the new resort’s launch for Sandals, the island, and the Caribbean region.
“First and foremost, we market the destination — both St Vincent and the Grenadines. The landscape that makes up this incredible archipelago will benefit. Directly and indirectly, for linkages, tour operators, taxi operators, restaurateurs, musicians, farmers, fishers, entrepreneurs, hardware store operators, the entire ecosystem and connectivity we plan to make sure that the entire world knows,” he remarked.
Airlift has expanded tremendously since Sandals arrived on the island, and additional flights are soon to be available. Stewart claims that many airlines have changed their itineraries to accommodate the increased demand.
“American Airlines used to fly twice per week to and from the Argyle Airport. Since April the airline has increased [flights] to four times per week and is expected to have daily flights by the end of 2024,” he stated.
“Air Canada and Virgin have increased their airlift, with JetBlue and United Airlines now flying to the island for the first time. Nationals and visitors will have the opportunity to fly more conveniently, and we will continue to grow,” Stewart noted.
Approximately 300 of the world’s best travel consultants are scheduled to visit the resort next month, making this the largest group of foreign travel experts to ever visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
