The influence of Sandals Resorts on Caribbean airlift continues to grow, marked by a notable 178% increase in flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from September 2023 to September 2024. The success of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines highlights the brand’s significant impact on regional tourism.
Before the resort’s March opening, Caribbean Airlines offered one weekly flight, increasing to two after the launch.
American Airlines, initially offering three weekly flights, upped this to four in April and plans daily nonstop service from Miami starting November. Additionally, Saturday nonstops from Charlotte and JFK will begin in December. JetBlue will start twice-weekly service from JFK to SVD in October.
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Minister Carlos James emphasized the importance of air travel in expanding tourism. “We want to welcome everyone to experience Vincy, an authentic Caribbean destination,” James said.
Gary C. Sadler, EVP of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, noted, “When Sandals goes to market, it brings the Caribbean along.” This trend is evident with Delta Air Lines’ renewed weekly service to Curaçao, which coincided with the 2022 opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao. Delta will expand this to daily nonstop service from Atlanta beginning November 23, contributing to a 30% increase in airlift from the U.S.
Following the opening of Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, American Airlines initiated the first-ever commercial flight between Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) and the U.S. American Airlines will expand this service to daily nonstops from Miami in December.
Sandals Resorts continues to facilitate increased air travel across the Caribbean. Regional airline Sunrise Airways introduced daily (except Tuesdays) nonstop service between Antigua and St. Lucia. Southwest Airlines launched daily nonstops from Orlando to Nassau and Providenciales. American Airlines will introduce Saturday nonstops from Philadelphia to Barbados and from New York to St. Lucia in November and December, respectively. Delta will resume daily service from Atlanta to Barbados in November and add Saturday nonstops to Antigua from New York in January 2025.
Sadler highlighted the importance of robust airlift to island destinations, stressing the supportive role of Sandals Resorts in promoting new and expanded routes.
Rhythm and Blues Sale Returns
Sandals’ Rhythm and Blues Sale offers guests booking seven nights or more at select properties a $1,000 air credit plus $175 resort credit. This promotion is valid through August 4, 2024, for travel through July 31, 2025. For more details, visit sandals.com.
About Sandals Resorts International
Sandals® Resorts offers a luxury all-inclusive vacation experience in 18 beachfront settings across Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. Known for pioneering innovations like the Caribbean’s first Overwater Villas and the Island Inclusive dining program, Sandals Resorts continually elevates the all-inclusive experience. Through the Sandals Foundation, the brand also showcases the transformative power of tourism. For more information, visit sandals.com.
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