Gary Sadler’s heart beats for two nations—Jamaica, the island of his birth, and Canada, the country where he built his career. As a key figure in the tourism industry, Sadler has long been an ambassador for Jamaica, championing the island’s beauty and culture to the world, and his enthusiasm was once again on full display at the end of the Canadian Travel Advisors Golf tournament.

Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations underscored that the two-day tournament, which brought advisors to Jamaica for an immersive experience, was about more than just competition—it was about connection, as he encouraged travel advisors to seize every moment to not just play, but to truly experience Jamaica and sell that experience back home.

“I migrated from Jamaica in 1992, and the eggs of my hopes as a young man was sent to Toronto, and Toronto being the welcoming city that it is, I felt quite at home. I then moved to Western Canada where I spent five of my best years living in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba. So western Canada is dearest to my heart. Why is because they told us in those days that you couldn't really sell Jamaica because Jamaica was two days away in the Caribbean,” Sadler shared.

“So, I am quite excited to see travel advisors from Vancouver coming to the golf tournament. When we started this golf tournament eight years ago, everybody came from Toronto, and very few came from Montreal, because everybody would just want that direct flight. So now that we have people from all across Canada, it is actually very welcoming,” he added.

Gary Sadler addressing Travel Advisors during the award ceremony.

Sadler, who has spent years fostering relationships between Jamaica’s tourism sector and the Canadian market, emphasized the significance of the travel advisors' role. He sees them as vital connectors, helping to bridge the gap between potential tourists and the authentic experiences that Jamaica offers.

“This tournament is about more than just a few rounds of golf. It is about experiencing the island in a way that gives you, the travel advisors, a true sense of what Jamaica has to offer. And when you’ve experienced it firsthand, you’re able to share it with your clients in a way that’s real, that’s authentic,” Sadler noted.

He continued: “I want to acknowledge Air Canada vacations, and I hope you are reminded that there is now no connection fees for flights from Western Canada to Jamaica only at a Sandals and Beaches resort. Forgive my passion, and it's certainly not meant as an insult, but what the free connector really means is that those of you from Western Canada, have absolutely no excuse in the world why you cannot sell from Western Canada to Jamaica and to the Caribbean.

“There is now no reason in the world why you can't do so. So I appeal to you to ensure that your business is not limited to the fact that Western Canada is far away, because WestJet also has direct flights out of Calgary to Nassau, and Calgary to Jamaica as well. So Canada's largest carriers fly to the Caribbean. The airlines have fixed the issue, show them it's worth it.”

The tournament, which allowed participants to unwind while also deepening their understanding of the island’s unique offerings, was won by Team 12, comprising Arnold Bridgemohan, Janet Long, Cargill Gordon and Colin Harris. That quartet tallied 59 and 67 strokes across both days for a winning total of 126.

Canadian professional golfer and celebrity entertainer Todd Keirstead demonstrates his trick shots.

They were two shots ahead of dethroned champions Team 10 –Wendy Hsu, Leo Tam, Tom Liu, and Chris Gregoris –who shot 128. Team 4 of Doug Rollheiser, Jason Jenkins, Dave Harris and Jaques Gilbert were third with 130 strokes.

Meanwhile, Cargill Gordon and Sandra Edwards won the men and women longest drive awards, while Jay Ainabe and Wendy Hsu took the closest to the pin awards.

Over US$600 and CAD$120 (about $109,000 Jamaica dollars) was also raised for the Sandals Foundation.

For Sadler, his final words were a call to action for the travel advisors.

“Let’s keep sharing Jamaica with the world, one client at a time. I thank you for the commitment, not just to this golf tournament, because it doesn't end here. It begins here, but ends with a commitment that you continue to drive and support this travel industry, not just limited to Canada, but globally, where travel advisors can feel that they're part of a bigger picture partnership. Thank you wholeheartedly for your belief in the Sandals organisation because we simply want your business,” he ended.

A major tournament to pit the winners of the LatAm, Canadian, and US Travel Advisors tournaments against each other is scheduled for next year in St Lucia.

In a glowing endorsement of the vital role played by Latin American travel advisors, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, lauded their unwavering efforts in driving tourism to Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations, particularly where Sandals Resorts are located.

Sadler expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their continued dedication to promoting the Sandals brand and the broader Caribbean region, as he acknowledged the crucial role they play in not only attracting visitors but also in strengthening the tourism sectors of the countries they serve, with a special emphasis on Jamaica, the home of Sandals Resorts.

“Jamaica and Sandals continue to be a very strong product for Latin America. You have seen just a part of Jamaica, the Ocho Rios region, but as we continue to invest in Latin America, you'll find that the Caribbean, such as Barbados, with flights four times a week from Panama with Copa Airlines, and Bahamas Nassau, again with Copa Airlines flying from Panama, will continue to grow. We are throughout the Caribbean, hence the reason that we can provide the diversity that you need,” Sadler said after another successful staging of the Sandals Latin America Travel Advisors Golf Tournament on Monday.

“Your commitment to showcasing the beauty, culture, and luxury that Jamaica and the Caribbean have to offer is nothing short of extraordinary. Each year, your efforts bring more and more visitors to our shores, allowing them to experience the unparalleled service and hospitality that Sandals is known for,” he added.

Gary Sadler shares a light moment with Arlenes Garcia.

The 10th edition of the Sandals Latin America Travel Advisors tournament brought together travel advisors from 11 Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico—for a few days of networking, education, and friendly competition at Sandals Golf and Country Club in Upton Estate.

Two teams from Argentina were crowned joint champions, as both teams finished tied on 68 after the two days.

One team, comprising Gabriel Miguens, Pablo Moioni, Gaston Serra, and Ulises Chiappe scored 34 across both days, while the other team of Maria Luisa Rodriquez, Fernando Rafael Quintes, Pablo Wolinsky, and Cesar Suarez scored 36 on day one and 32 on day two.

Peru’s team of Cesar Ruiz, Denitza Almeyda, Diego Sorni, and Micaela Oslcese, was third with 72, following scores of 39 and 33 across both days.

Beyond the competition, the advisors, many of whom were visiting the island for the very first time, were given a firsthand experience of the luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and vibrant culture that they market to their clients.

The tournament not only served as a platform for professional development but also as a testament to the strong partnerships that Sandals has built with the Latin American travel industry over the years.

Gaston Serra, a member of the winning Argentina team, makes a put.

Sadler highlighted the importance of these partnerships, noting that the continued success of Sandals Resorts in Latin America is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the travel advisors.

He also encouraged the advisors to keep pushing for sales in their regions, emphasizing that their efforts have a direct impact on the growth of tourism in the Caribbean.

“What that means is that you have the ability to sell the Caribbean, especially the English-speaking Caribbean. Every time a visitor from Latin America visits the Turks and Caicos Islands, it's the quality vacation that you sell that makes a huge difference. My own experience visiting Brazil for carnival, visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio, tells me that everyone must travel to experience the world,” Sadler declared.

"Your influence in the Latin American market is undeniable, and so I urge you to continue your relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we can further strengthen the Sandals brand and ensure that Jamaica and the Caribbean remain top-of-mind destinations for travelers from Latin America,” he stated.

“We're grateful that you can make it Sandals and you can make it Jamaica, and I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful, wonderful experience. Thank you for your commitment to Jamaica, and thank you for your commitment to Sandals,” he ended.