In a powerful display of resilience and commitment, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, addressed travel advisors at the CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Thursday. Stewart emphasized Jamaica’s determination to recover and thrive following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He urged the travel industry to continue promoting Jamaica and the Caribbean, highlighting tourism as a vital economic lifeline for the region. Stewart’s message was clear: Jamaica will emerge stronger from this setback.
Stewart, who also serves as Executive Chairman of the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the three Sandals resorts most severely impacted by the hurricane—Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast—are set to reopen by May 30, 2026, with enhanced facilities. Five other resorts, less affected, will resume operations by December 6. Stewart’s decision to attend the November 5-7 conference underscored his personal dedication to Jamaica’s recovery.
Sandals Resorts has already contributed $3 million to hurricane relief efforts and made its corporate aircraft hangar available for relief operations. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation donated $6 million worth of medical equipment to Bustamante Hospital for Children, enabling the facility to care for critically ill neonates and children transferred from hurricane-affected areas.
During the hurricane, Sandals provided free accommodations to guests until it was safe for them to return home. Stewart chartered a plane to transport 150,000 pounds of relief materials to Jamaica. At the conference, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice-President of Unique Vacations, joined Stewart in promoting Caribbean tourism, offering free trips to incentivize travel advisors to support the region’s recovery.
CruiseWorld, a premier event for the travel industry, fosters growth through educational workshops, networking, and product showcases. Stewart’s appearance and the initiatives announced at the event reflect a united effort to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s tourism sector.