The transformative influence of the Sandals Resorts brand on surging airlift across the Caribbean region continues into the 2024-2025 winter season, most recently exemplified by the remarkable success of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where airlift to the Eastern Caribbean country between September 2023 and September 2024 has increased by a staggering 178% year over year. The resort is the most recent and profound example of the demonstrable impact of Sandals on destination airlift.
Prior to the hotel’s opening in March, Caribbean Airlines offered one weekly flight, which it bumped to two in March; American Airlines offered three flights a week, which it increased to four in April following the hotel’s opening and announced it will begin daily nonstop service from Miami starting in November, and in December, will introduce Saturday nonstop flight from Charlotte and New York’s JFK. JetBlue, which did not serve the destination, will begin twice weekly service from New York’s JFK to SVD this October.
Said Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Tourism Carlos James, “We’re building out a tourism sector that is unique and amazing and air is critical to that effort. We want to welcome everyone to experience Vincy, an authentic Caribbean destination, something never seen, felt or imagined and all of it begins with making it easy for visitors to get here.”
According to Gary C. Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, an affiliate of the worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts, the increase in airlift to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Caribbean where Sandals resorts are located, reflects the broader success story of “the Sandals Effect,” the ability of brand Sandals to drive tourism.
“When Sandals goes to market, it brings the Caribbean along. This is critical to destination stakeholders and travel advisor partners upon whose shoulders Sandals stands as it introduces new audiences to the unique experiences and pleasures of Caribbean vacationing,” said Sadler.
Delta Air Lines, which had not flown to the destination in over 15 years, began weekly service to Curaçaocoinciding with the 2022 opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao, the brand’s debut entrée in the Dutch Caribbean that has been credited with record-breaking tourism arrivals. Starting this November 23, Delta will significantly increase that service with daily nonstop service from Atlanta (ATL) to the destination, joining JetBlue and contributing to a year over year increase in airlift of nearly 30% from the United States.
On the heels of the 2023 opening of Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, American Airlines initiated the first-ever commercial flight between Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) in Ocho Rios and the U.S. with twice-weekly service to from Miami. It had been the vision of Sandals Resorts’ founder and late chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart to encourage international service to the airport. In recognition of his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to the growth of Jamaica’s travel and tourism industry, the Airports Authority of Jamaica named the Departure Hall at Ian Fleming International Airport in his honor. Noting the route’s success, American Airlines is expanding and will begin offering daily nonstop service starting this December.
More Service to the Caribbean
Beyond the increased capacity to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, UVI reports its airline partners have increased and will continue to increase service across the Caribbean including:
- For travelers seeking to “island hop,” regional Caribbean airline Sunrise Airways introduced daily (except Tuesdays) nonstop service between Antigua to St. Lucia this past May.
- Earlier this month, Southwest Airlines launched daily nonstop service from Orlando to Nassau, Bahamasand Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
- Starting November 9, 2024, American Airlines will introduce nonstop Saturday service between Philadelphia and Barbados and on December 7, 2024, American Airlines will offer a new nonstop Saturday-only service from New York to St. Lucia starting Dec 7, 2024.
- Delta Air Lines will also resume daily nonstop service from Atlanta to Barbados beginning November 23, 2024.
- Looking ahead to 2025, Delta Air Lines will add Saturday nonstop service to Antigua from New Yorkstarting January 11.
“Robust lift to island destinations is critical and we do not take it for granted. We are full partners. Knowing that UVI will support new routes and expanded service through our promotion of Sandals in the marketplace is key,” said Sadler.
The Rhythm and Blues Sale Returns
To that end, when guests book seven nights or more at select Sandals’ properties including Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sandals Royal Curaçao, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals Grande Antigua, they’ll get a $1,000 air credit plus $175 resort credit. The Rhythm and Blues sale is valid for bookings made through August 4, 2024, for travel through July 31, 2025. For more information, visit sandals.com.