Bringing attention to the crucial importance of robust airlift to the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Executive Chairman Adam Stewart led a team of top executives at a meeting with American Airlines (AA) in Dallas, Texas, earlier this month.

“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,” a company release quoted Stewart as saying during the meeting.

He said that the airline’s “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,” added Stewart, who is also executive chairman of the Jamaica Observer.

Discussions between SRI and American Airlines demonstrated the strength of the relationship between the organisations and their joint commitment to the critical issue of air travel to the Caribbean, the release stated.

“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,” said Stewart. “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.”

Christine Valls, the airline’s managing director, Caribbean, Latin America and Florida Sales, pointed to the carrier’s long-standing and valuable relationship with Sandals, saying, “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 included Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainier. Unique Vacations Inc, the worldwide representatives for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, was also in attendance with a team comprising 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, 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 and Suriname Haydee Blanco; Director, Sales Programmes Jared Cox; and Sales Manager, Caribbean, US Latin, Guyana and Suriname Marvin Alvrez-Ochoa.

Sadler said the meeting showcased Sandals’ continued commitment to the entire Caribbean tourism sector. He added that the incredible relationship Sandals has with AA has been fuelling efforts to ensure that the region gets the level of service and increased seats it needs for its survival.

“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,” Sadler said. “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.”