TORONTO — TRAVELSAVERS Canada is wrapping up its 2024 Leadership Networking event today at the brand new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

A total of 40 selected attendees, including agency owners, tourism board representatives and special guests, were among the first to experience the new property, which opened its doors in March 2024. As the first all-inclusive resort on the main island of Saint Vincent, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers 301 rooms and suites, 11 dining concepts and a host of ‘Sandals First,’ including a 300-foot linear pool, overwater two-storey villas and more.

C.J Smith, Director of Sales, Sandals & Beaches Resorts (Unique Vacations Canada) hosting a workshop

Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President & GM, TRAVELSAVERS Canada speaking at a workshop

“At TRAVELSAVERS Canada, one of our areas of focus is luxury properties because our agency members have the clientele that aligns with upscale vacation travel,” said Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager. “I really wanted Sandals Resorts to become part of our consortia’s portfolio as it is such a well-recognized and respected brand. We were able to secure our partnership based on our Sandals support and growth since the pandemic.”

Noting a 95% growth of business in 2023, Clementino added: “Hosting our Leadership Networking Event here was the perfect setting for agency partners to experience the island and celebrate our successes. We were delighted to announced that we’ve experienced incredible growth in the last 18 months.”

On hosting the event, Maureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Canada, Unique Vacations Canada Inc. (affiliate of the worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts), said: “What an incredible opportunity to introduce the TRAVELSAVERS Canada team, including some of their top agency owners – many of whom are also top Sandals and Beaches producers – to this hidden gem of a destination. Nothing can replace actually seeing, touching, tasting and feeling all that Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has to offer their clients. We’re confident this trip will be mutually beneficial and we look forward to strengthening our sales and marketing partnership with TRAVELSAVERS Canada in the days and months ahead.”

Sponsored by Unique Vacations Canada Inc., Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Office and Air Canada Vacations, the four-day event included interactive working sessions, plus two excursions to Bequia and Dark View Falls. Some agency owners also stopped for a quick lunch and a site tour on the island of Barbados, courtesy of Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc.

Transportation was managed by Air Canada Vacations and provided by Air Canada, which recently relaunched flights to Argyle International Airport (SVD). Air Canada will fly weekly to Saint Vincent throughout the summer.

“Air Canada Vacations is proud to sponsor this year’s Leadership Networking event alongside our esteemed travel and tourism partners,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations. “We are thrilled to offer Canadians exciting new vacation packages and weekly flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines throughout the summer. Air Canada Vacations prides itself on offering TRAVELSAVERS Canada travel professionals a one-stop shop to the world. Cheers to a successful leadership event!”