Contributed
Peter Dolara, senior vice-president of American Airlines, chats with Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts during the STAR awards at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios on Friday December 2.Sandals Resorts International rolled out the red carpet on Friday December 2 for a host of travel agents from Europe, North America and the Caribbean at the fourth Sandals Travel Agency Recognition Awards (STAR) held at the newly-renovated mega-resort, Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.
It was a celebration as Chairman of Sandals Gordon 'Butch' Stewart and his team of managers paid tribute to and awarded 'the best of the best' within the travel industry for not only supporting and selling the Sandals/Beaches brand but for bringing visitors to the region.
Nothing was spared in ensuring that the over 400 guests had a good bite of what they promote and sell. The entertaining ceremony began with cocktails on the lawns of the manor which was softly lit by white pepper lights wrapped around trees. After much fanfare, the ceremony got under way.
signature style
Guests made their way to the huge white tent, set amid the lush foliage of the property. Simple yet elegant, the festive decor was signature Sandals/Beaches style.
Guest speaker and personal friend of Mr. Stewart, Peter Dolara, vice-president of Ameri-can Airlines spoke glowingly of the relationship he shared with the Sandals family, and gave a hint of future collaboration from a
business perspective.
"For us (American Airlines) to come to any one of the Sandals/ Beaches destinations, is to guarantee that the hub will be busy," he said, actually telling the Sandals story. His presentation, anecdotal in parts, was expertly illustrated by snapshots of various Sandals/Beaches destinations in the region.
A lengthy presentation ceremony followed. Among the awards presented were: Extreme Travel Agent; Top Butler Suite Travel Agenvy, Top Suite Concierge Travel Agency; Newcomer Award and Top Retail Travel Agency Chain.
Dinner followed, and was served from a number of food stations on the lawns. This included Princess Antipasto Platter, The Emperor's Salad, Roasted Cornish Hen, Oven-roasted Rack of Lamb rubbed with Dijon Mustard and fragrant garlic Herbs, Mint Virgin Olive Oil, Grilled lobster, Shrimp and Crab.
Guests were entertained by the Sandals singing sensation Theresa Riley and the Beaches Resorts Sesame Street characters, who delighted the audience. Party music was provided by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.
