300 American travel advisors experience lush, virginal south coast, thanks to Sandals
THE lush, still virginal south coast Jamaica became the backdrop for last week’s American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) 4th annual Caribbean Showcase 2025 — four days of wining and dining, scouting visitor attractions, and experiencing what might be Jamaica’s next tourism mecca.
The 18,000-strong ASTA has been bringing hundreds of its members to the region on familiarity trips, based upon an offer from Sandals Resorts International (SRI) to host 10 annual Caribbean Showcases as a means of promoting the islands served by the hotel chain.
Jamaica Observer chief photographer Joseph Wellington was at Sandals South Coast in Westmoreland, where 300 ASTA travel advisors were hosted, to capture highlights of the yearly event:
Participating in a panel discussion at the American Society of Travel Advisors Caribbean Showcase 2025 are (from left) tourism ministers GP Ian Gooding-Edghill of Barbados; Marsha T Henderson of St Kitts and Nevis; and Zharvago Jolly of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Joseph Wellington
Jamaican Gary Sadler (centre) of Unique Vacations offers a photo opportunity with travel advisors Larae Dudley, CEO of Dudley Dream Travel, and Gary Michael Dixon, also of Dudley Dream, which operates out of Washington, DC. Joseph Wellington
Sandals Director of Romance and Weddings Marsha Ann-Donaldson (right) is joined by Jennifer Bell, travel advisor and wedding specialist, and Obrian Heron, general manager of Sandals South Coast, as she shows off the resort’s Aisle-to-Aisle wedding decor. Joseph Wellington
Zane Kerby (right), president and CEO of the 18,000-strong American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), receiving his trophy from Unique Vacations’ Chief Operating Officer Andy Blanco on behalf of regional tourism ministers who honoured him with the Award of Excellence for his impact on Caribbean tourism development. Joseph Wellington
Cynthia Almodovar, executive assistant to Gary Sadler, executive vice-president for sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, is commended by her boss for her focus, discipline, and hard work in getting her masters’ degree while on the job. Joseph Wellington
Travel advisors at the trade show which was part of the American Society of Travel Advisors 4th annual Caribbean Showcase 2025 at Sandals South Coast in Westmoreland. Joseph Wellington
