In The News

In recognition of her far-reaching impact, Heidi Clarke has been selected to receive the prestigious “Trailblazer Award: Women Shaping the Future of Travel” as part of the 2026 Skift IDEA Awards. As Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, Clarke has harnessed the power of tourism to strengthen communities and expand opportunity across the Caribbean. Presented in partnership with Women Leading Travel, the Trailblazer Award honors a woman whose career demonstrates exceptional leadership, resilience and influence in shaping the future of travel.

Since launching the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation in 2009, Clarke has led initiatives that improve lives across the Caribbean, with a focus on education, community development, and environmental conservation in the nine islands where Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts operate. Under her care, the Foundation has touched more than 1.8 million lives, supporting more than 2,600 schools, close to 200 large-scale conservation initiatives, and mobilizing more than 32,500 volunteers across the region, among other extraordinary projects.

“It is truly an honour to be recognized, and I am immensely proud of what our team, together with our incredible partners, has made possible,” said Clarke. “I believe the success of any business should also be measured by the opportunities it creates for others to rise, empowering generations and strengthening communities. Tourism has an extraordinary footprint, and when we harness that reach with purpose, it can be a tremendous force for positive change across our Caribbean region.”

Clarke’s work has championed tourism as a force for positive, lasting change, bringing together communities, governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses and travelers to address local needs and strengthen the destinations that sustain the industry. Born and raised in Jamaica, she has spent nearly two decades developing programs that strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity and advance environmental stewardship throughout the Caribbean.

“Heidi is a true champion for the Caribbean and has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for its people and building a stronger future for the region,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and President of the Sandals Foundation. “She leads with tremendous heart and purpose, and with an unwavering belief in the potential of our Caribbean communities. Her work through the Sandals Foundation is at the heart of who we are at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, and reflects our deep and enduring commitment to the region we call home. This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and we could not be prouder of Heidi and the contributions she continues to make.”

The Skift IDEA Awards, now in their eighth year, recognize excellence in design, creativity and innovation across the global travel industry. The 2026 awards were evaluated through an initial review by the Skift Editorial Team, followed by an independent judging panel of travel and business leaders representing top hospitality organizations. 

To learn more about the Sandals Foundation visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org/