by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:55 AM ET, Wed September 6, 2023
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) hosted almost
400 travel professionals at Beaches Resort, Turks & Caicos, last week for
the organization’s second-annual Caribbean Showcase.
The ASTA event provided an immersive and educational
experience for travel advisors looking to educate themselves on best practices
for selling Caribbean travel. Agents are supplied with masters-level training
on products and destinations and connected with local suppliers and operators.
“Our research shows that the Caribbean remains one of the
top destinations our members book each and every year,” ASTA President Zane
Kerby said. “Combine that with our members’ desire for educational enrichment
and it’s no wonder why this event is a success.”
ASTA's 2023 Caribbean Showcase. (Photo Credit: Gary Wong)
The 2023 edition of the event marks the second year Sandals
and Beaches Resorts hosted the ASTA’s Caribbean Showcase, with advisors greeted
by Unique Vacations CEO Jeff Clarke and Executive Vice President Gary Sadler,
as well as Sandals Group CEO Gebhard Rainer.
“We’re very thankful to support ASTA, especially as
Caribbean people, and as a Caribbean organization, for their invaluable
commitment and efforts in promoting the region to travelers across the globe,” Sadler
said.
In addition to a keynote address from Dr. Jeff Barnes, attendees
also heard from dignitaries from island nations around the Caribbean, including
representatives from Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, St.
Lucia, Curacao and more.
After the success of the latest ASTA event, the organization
revealed that next year’s Caribbean Showcase will be held at Sandals Royal Curacao
from August 24-27, with interested advisors now being able to register for a discounted,
early rate.
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