Willemstad, Curaçao, August 27, 2024 — More than 300 Travel Advisors, esteemed tourism leaders and international press descended on the alluring Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao during the American Society of Travel Advisors’ third annual Caribbean Showcase, hosted at Sandals Royal Curaçao August 24-27. The sold-out weekend invited Travel Advisors to engage in advanced training with nearly 40 local suppliers, tour operators, and destination management companies.
“The Caribbean Showcase has grown significantly since we first launched the program, with more Travel Advisors attending each year, reflecting the increasing demand and passion for Caribbean travel among their clients,” said Zane Kerby, President & CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). “With the Caribbean nearly neck-and-neck with Europe as a top destination, this coveted annual event provides travel professionals the opportunity to deepen their connections and expand their firsthand knowledge of the region. This dedication to enhancing their business sets travel advisors apart.”
Education seminars gave way to enlightening data bolstering travel to the Caribbean, with more than 80% of Travel Advisors reporting bookings to the region this year. According to ASTA’s recent member survey, the Caribbean currently ranks as the second most popular destination among travelers, trailing Europe by only 1%.
For the third consecutive year, Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, has served as the exclusive host of the ASTA Caribbean Showcase. This year, attendees had the opportunity to discover Sandals Royal Curaçao, renowned for its beautifully appointed accommodations, expansive ocean vistas, prime location within the island and unique offerings that celebrate the local culture. Attendees were warmly welcomed by Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts and Beaches® Resorts, who set the tone for a memorable experience.
"Partnering with ASTA to host the Caribbean Showcase for its third year is an incredible honor for the Sandals brand," said Sadler. “This event is not just about highlighting the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean, a region Sandals proudly calls home, but also about empowering the Travel Advisors who play such a crucial role in bringing these destinations to life for travelers. Travel Advisors can count the brand’s unwavering support, with the full strength of the organization behind them to ensure they have every possible resource to design unforgettable journeys for their clients – including immersive weekends such as this one – in turn thriving in their respective businesses."
Attendees were captivated by Curaçao’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes through experiences curated by Sandals Royal Curaçao and Island Routes Adventure Tours. Highlights included open-air city bus tours, culinary explorations, and a Caracas Bay snorkel and catamaran cruise that each brought forward the destination’s remarkable beauty and charm.
Following an extraordinary weekend, ASTA announces dates for next year’s ASTA Caribbean Showcase, which will be held at Sandals Ochi Beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, August 23-27, 2025. Travel Advisors can register now for a discounted, early registration rate.
Click here to access event photos.
