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Family-owned and operated Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Caribbean-born all-inclusive brands Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts and the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation, proudly unveils its Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Offering a sweeping look at the company’s enduring promise to protect and uplift the Caribbean – the place it calls home – the report titled Love Exceeds Expectationsshowcases more than 40 years of impact, innovation, and stewardship across education, community, and the environment.
“Many may not realize that Sandals is a family-owned company, born in Jamaica and dedicated to ensuring that tourism benefits Caribbean people, communities and the natural beauty that makes our home one of the most beautiful places in all the world,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “We aim to connect our guests more deeply to the Caribbean so when they visit us they will understand that they, too, are part of this effort that supports local farmers, empowers people through education, and restores coral reefs. This is who we are and at the core of everything we do, and we’re excited to share it.”
Founded in 1981 by legendary Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Sandals Resorts International has gone on to become one of the region’s most passionate and visible ambassadors, creating opportunities for Caribbean communities where tourism is an important economic engine and SRI the largest private employer.
This legacy, which started in the early 80s with a mandate to support local schools, has since expanded to include initiatives ranging from preserving ancient trees and successfully planting coral fragments with a 90% survival rate to providing schools with essential supplies. The report's pages bring this legacy to life, highlighting a range of other impactful programs, including:
While the report dives into everything from youth empowerment to healthcare programming and sustainable food waste management, it also mirrors a company constantly evolving.
Recent brand initiatives – including the launch of Island Inclusive, the off-site dining program where select Sandals guests can enjoy dining experiences at local restaurants, giving meaningful opportunities to local entrepreneurs; Beaches’ commitment to autism-friendly vacations, offering IBCCES trained staff, inclusive programming, and personalized services for families with neurodivergent travelers; and the Artisan Program, a full circle initiative teaching creators how to develop and distribute their products, including the opportunity to sell at weekly “meet the maker” markets and in gift shops across Sandals and Beaches Resorts, reinvesting proceeds back into local communities – underscore SRI’s dedication to making the Caribbean authentically immersive, accessible and sustainable.
“We believe in the power of tourism to transform lives and understand that Caribbean resilience grows from a deep respect for the environment, its people and its culture. As a Caribbean family and a Caribbean company, no one loves and cares for this region more than we do and it is our responsibility to act,” added Stewart. “This report is a testament to that legacy – and a promise to keep going.”
To see Sandals Resorts International’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report, visit https://cdn.sandals.com/sandals/pdf-reports/Sandals-CSR-Booklet.pdf
Tune in to the Sandals Palmcast for a special episode featuring Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, and Kirstin McCarthy, Director of Sustainability at Sandals Resorts International, for their perspective on how tourism can transform lives.
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