The Tribune

THE Minister of Transport and Aviation has praised Sandals Resorts International for its confidence and investment in the Bahamas, helping the tourism economy to thrive.

And Glenys Hanna-Martin commended the 450 travel agents attending Sandals Resorts International’s 11th annual STAR Awards Dinner for staying ahead of the game in a highly competitive environment, where “in truth, you could have become dinosaurs”.

“Instead, you dug your heels in and refined and improved upon, and brought innovation to your craft. As a result, not only have you preserved the market niche for the travel agents and the art and science of travel advice, but your advice and expertise has brought a level of enjoyment - in depth and breadth - to millions of travellers worldwide, which is unmatched,” she said.

The STAR Awards recogniaes the top travel agents and agencies from all over the world, especially those in North America, Europe and South America. Those attending the event at Sandals Royal Bahamian were the top producers in the industry.

Mrs Hanna-Martin praised Sandals for recognising and understanding the “invaluable and important contribution” that travel agents make to the tourism industry worldwide, and no doubt to its own properties here in the Bahamas and elsewhere”.

The minister pointed out that Sandals has sought to strengthen and cement relationships with travel agents and agencies worldwide, which has assisted in bringing Exuma and Nassau to the global tourism market.

For this, Mrs Hanna-Martin said the country was grateful to Sandals.

“We appreciate their investment commitment to the Bahamas and the continued investment in marketing their own properties and, by extension, the Bahamas, which has brought so many visitors to our country,” she said.

“So, too, we appreciate your word of mouth in extolling the benefits and beauty of our country, and all that this has done and will continue to do towards the continued thriving of our tourism economy.”