Sandals’ Adam Stewart Honoured with International Achievement Award

Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, has been recognized for his contributions to Jamaica and the Caribbean with the 2026 International Achievement Award from the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).

Stewart received the honour during the organization’s annual Hummingbird Gala on October 16 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.

The evening also celebrated Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, who received the International Humanitarian Award.

The gala brought together business leaders, philanthropists and supporters of Jamaica, including the country’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, who delivered remarks during the event.

Pioneering reggae and dancehall artist Sister Nancy also performed.

Celebrating a Caribbean Tourism Legacy

Stewart’s recognition comes as Jamaica approaches the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage across the island and disrupted tourism operations.

The International Achievement Award recognizes Stewart’s decades of leadership in Jamaica’s tourism and business sectors, along with his philanthropic work and contributions to community development throughout the Caribbean.

As Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Stewart oversees one of the region’s most recognizable hospitality companies, continuing a legacy established by his late father, Sandals founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

During his acceptance speech, Stewart reflected on the company’s beginnings and its growth into an international hospitality brand.

“It is the greatest honour for me to be here with my family and share with the world the magic and gifts of Jamaica,” he said.

“In 1981, my late father had a bold idea: to start a hotel company with just 99 rooms beside an airport in Montego Bay. Today, I have the privilege of carrying that vision and legacy forward. What began as a simple dream has grown into a globally recognized brand, proudly standing on the world stage.”

“What makes that journey truly remarkable is what it has shown about the extraordinary gifts, talent and spirit of the Caribbean people. More than 20,000 team members are part of our organization today, 97 per cent of them born in the Caribbean, with Jamaica at its heart. We’ll keep showing up every day and doing everything we can for this extraordinary island. We will never stop.”

US$200 Million Investment in Jamaica

The recognition comes amid a significant reinvestment in Sandals’ Jamaican resort portfolio following Hurricane Melissa.

The company is undertaking a US$200 million transformation of three properties affected by the hurricane: Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay.

The resorts are being redesigned with new accommodations, upgraded pools, expanded dining options and enhanced guest experiences.

Sandals South Coast is scheduled to reopen on November 18, 2026, followed by Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay on December 18.

The reopenings represent an important step in Jamaica’s tourism recovery and signal Sandals’ continued commitment to investing in the destination.

Despite the temporary closures, Sandals pledged to retain 100 per cent of its Jamaican employees on payroll, with benefits intact.

The company also committed more than US$5 million in direct recovery assistance for team members affected by the hurricane.

Through the Sandals Foundation, additional relief efforts were mobilized to support communities impacted by the storm.

Investing in Caribbean Communities

Beyond the resort business, Stewart has played an active role in expanding education, professional development and community support initiatives across the Caribbean.

In 2012, he founded Sandals Corporate University, an initiative designed to provide Caribbean hospitality employees with access to professional certifications, degree programs and continuing education.

Stewart also serves as president of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

The foundation supports projects in education, community development and environmental conservation throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.