Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Canadian Travel Advisor Conference in Jamaica Highlights Key Strategies for Travel Success: Here’s All New Information You Need To Know

Published on September 4, 2025

In August 2025, Sandals and Beaches Resorts hosted its second edition of the Canadian Home-Based Travel Advisor Conference at the luxurious Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. The event was a resounding success, bringing together a select group of Canadian travel advisors from across the country for an enriching experience. Over four days, these travel professionals not only explored the resorts but also delved deep into the brand’s latest initiatives, innovative offerings, and strategies for driving sales in an ever-evolving travel industry.

With a focus on strengthening relationships and sharing knowledge, the conference provided a comprehensive platform for advisors to better understand Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Caribbean-forward vision and its broader impact on the global tourism landscape. Participants were given a firsthand look at the resorts, and had the opportunity to engage in immersive activities and discussions aimed at enhancing their business strategies.

The Importance of Home-Based Travel Advisors

Home-based travel advisors have become a driving force in the travel industry, particularly in the Canadian market. The shift toward this model, which started before the pandemic, has grown exponentially in recent years. Sandals and Beaches Resorts has recognized the pivotal role of these advisors, many of whom have become top producers for the brand. As such, the Canadian Home-Based Travel Advisor Conference is more than just an event; it’s a recognition of the growing influence that these independent travel professionals wield in shaping the future of travel.

The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration between home-based advisors and Sandals Resorts, which has long valued this relationship. With the Canadian market being one of the key drivers of success for the brand, the conference underscored how vital it is to continue nurturing these connections through training, support, and recognition of the advisors’ efforts.

A Premier Learning Experience

Held from August 17 to 21, the event offered Canadian travel advisors an in-depth look at Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ latest offerings. A series of keynote presentations, Q&A sessions, and brand updates kept the participants engaged and informed. One of the key highlights of the conference was the deep dive into the “Made of Caribbean” campaign, which was launched earlier in the year. This initiative focuses on showcasing the rich cultural, natural, and hospitality offerings of the Caribbean, with a strong emphasis on the unique experiences that Sandals and Beaches Resorts provide.

Advisors also participated in several resort tours, which included a comprehensive visit to the host property, Sandals South Coast, and a tour of its newly refurbished Blue Mahoe Overwater Butler Villas. These villas are a testament to the brand’s commitment to luxury and innovation, offering guests an exclusive experience with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, attendees explored other iconic properties, including Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril, which are renowned for their family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful beachfront locations.

The conference also provided an opportunity for advisors to learn from industry experts, gaining insights into the broader trends shaping the travel landscape. By sharing knowledge on subjects like sales strategies, marketing, and customer service, the event equipped participants with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.

Networking and Community Building

Beyond the educational sessions, the conference placed a strong emphasis on networking and community-building. Home-based travel advisors often work in isolation, and this event offered them the chance to meet and collaborate with like-minded professionals. The opportunity to share ideas, experiences, and challenges with fellow advisors helped foster a sense of community and camaraderie.

For many attendees, this networking experience was invaluable. They had the chance to connect with others who share similar passions and challenges, which can be particularly empowering in a business environment where many work remotely. The connections made during the conference are likely to translate into stronger collaborations and partnerships in the future, creating a more cohesive network of travel professionals committed to promoting Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Exploring Beyond the Resorts

The conference experience wasn’t limited to resort tours and educational sessions. Participants also got the chance to explore beyond the confines of the properties, further enhancing their understanding of Jamaica and its local culture. One of the key activities during the event was a visit to YS Falls, one of Jamaica’s most stunning natural attractions. Thanks to the support of the Jamaica Tourist Board and Island Routes, attendees had the opportunity to experience this breathtaking waterfall up close, adding a sense of adventure to their educational journey.

This excursion also highlighted the importance of promoting local experiences to clients. For travel advisors, understanding and recommending off-resort activities is essential in crafting well-rounded travel experiences for customers. By exploring the natural beauty and cultural offerings of Jamaica, attendees gained valuable knowledge that will help them provide more personalized travel recommendations to their clients.

The Role of Sandals Resorts in the Canadian Market

For Sandals Resorts, the Canadian market represents a significant opportunity. With over 30 years of experience in the country, Sandals has established itself as a trusted brand for Canadian travelers seeking luxury, romance, and family-friendly vacation options. The brand’s commitment to the Canadian market was reiterated at the conference by Gary C. Sadler, EVP of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations Inc. He emphasized Sandals’ long-standing relationship with Canadian travelers, highlighting the brand’s dedication to providing the best possible vacation experiences for guests from this region.

Sadler’s surprise in-person address during the conference was a highlight for many attendees, reinforcing Sandals’ commitment to the Canadian travel advisor community. His words served as a reminder of the brand’s dedication to the success of the advisors who sell its products. As the Canadian market continues to grow, Sandals Resorts remains committed to providing the necessary tools, resources, and support to ensure that travel advisors are successful in promoting its offerings.

A Charitable Gesture

In addition to the business-focused elements of the conference, attendees also participated in a meaningful charitable initiative. As part of their visit, the Canadian delegation made a generous donation of school supplies to the Sandals Foundation. These supplies were distributed to local schools in Jamaica, providing much-needed support to the education system just in time for the start of the school year. This act of giving not only reinforced the strong community ties between Sandals Resorts and the local Jamaican population but also highlighted the brand’s commitment to social responsibility.

For the advisors, this charitable gesture was an important reminder of the positive impact that travel and tourism can have on local communities. It reinforced the idea that travel can be a force for good, benefiting not only the travelers but also the destinations they visit.

The Future of Travel Advisors in the Home-Based Model

The success of the 2025 Canadian Home-Based Travel Advisor Conference highlights the growing importance of home-based advisors in the travel industry. As more travelers seek personalized, niche experiences, home-based travel advisors are well-positioned to provide the tailored services that clients demand. Sandals Resorts’ recognition of this trend is evident in its ongoing efforts to support these professionals through training, resources, and networking opportunities.

The conference served as a testament to the significant role that these independent professionals play in the success of the travel industry, particularly in the luxury resort segment. By equipping advisors with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, Sandals and Beaches Resorts are ensuring that their network of home-based travel advisors remains competitive and capable of meeting the evolving demands of today’s travelers.

Conclusion

The 2025 Sandals and Beaches Resorts Canadian Home-Based Travel Advisor Conference was an outstanding event that provided valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a deeper understanding of the Sandals brand. For the advisors in attendance, the experience was not only educational but also inspiring, reinforcing their commitment to promoting the brand and offering exceptional travel experiences to their clients.

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, Sandals Resorts’ focus on empowering home-based travel advisors will play a key role in driving its future success. By fostering strong relationships with these advisors and providing the necessary tools and support, Sandals is ensuring that its Canadian market presence remains as strong as ever. The conference, with its emphasis on education, networking, and community-building, serves as a model for how the travel industry can continue to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment.