Sandals Hosts ‘Battle of the General Managers’ Virtual Event for Travel Advisors

Thousands of travel advisors participated in Sandals International’s inaugural “Battle of the General Managers” virtual event on July 31. Live from Sandals Royal Bahamian, the company’s sales team hosted the interactive online experience to showcase what’s new and trending at all 17 Sandals and Beaches resort across nine islands. 

General managers shared the most unique facts about their properties, while travel advisors tuned in and answered trivia questions for a chance to win giveaway prizes. The GMs each had around three minutes to defend what makes their resort best of them all, with Sandra Lalk, Sandals’ senior business development manager, moderating the show. 

Dawn Bolte, senior director of industry sales, called the event a “first-of-its-kind program not only for Sandals and Beaches but in the industry.” Gary C. Sadler, EVP of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, and Garth Laird, VP of U.S. trade sales, also addressed advisors. 

“I know what it means to appreciate selling a great product, and that product, of course, no doubt, is Sandal and Beaches Resorts,” said Gary C. Sadler, EVP of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations. “But it is really your commitment that allows us to continue to do the work we do every day to support you, our travel advisor partners.”  

From the lively rum bar at Sandals Dunns River in Jamaica, to the intimate, serene beaches of Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia, the webinar took travel advisors to every resort in the Sandals and Beaches portfolio. For example, Omar Robinson, GM of Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, spoke about the all-suite hotel’s top features, from 24/7 butler service to being the only Sandals resort with a caviar and champagne bar. 

“It’s for the more discerning client who wants a more upscale experience,” he said. “Vacations are catered to just how they want it. It’s highly customized and personalized. It’s not cookie cutter, but one that’s tailor made for each client.” 

Travel advisors also caught a glimpse and learned more about the private beach at Sandals Montego Bay, offshore island at Sandals Royal Caribbean, new overwater villas and cocktails at Sandals South Coast, entertainment at Sandals Ocho Rios, cultural cuisine at Sandals Curacao, and more. 

Afterwards, advisors entered online breakout rooms and had the opportunity to ask the general managers their own questions. The event helped to promote Sandals’ Feel the Warmth sale, where travel advisors can earn a booking bonus of up to $100 plus a 4% bonus commission. Advisors can learn by contacting their BDMs or visiting TAPortal.sandals.com. 

At the end, several attendees won in-person hosted visits at featured resorts, and one winner received a 3-night stay at any Sandals or Beaches resort. Bolte alluded to similar events being planned for travel advisors in the future, such as a “Battle of the Destinations.”