WILLEMSTAD - Senior Executives of Sandals Resorts International, led by Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart and Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainer, recently met with the Honourable Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister of Curaçao along with members of his country’s cabinet.
Among the government delegation were Minister of Finance, the Honorable Javier Silvania, Minister of social Development, Labour & Welfare, Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Ruisandro Cijntje, Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, the Honorable Charles Cooper, The Honorable Dorothy Pietersz-Janga, Minister of Health, Environment and Nature, The Honourable Sithree Van Heydoorn, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports and The Honourable Ornelio Martina, Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Service.
The meeting, held at the Sandals Royal Curaçao, saw the Sandals team sharing detailed insight as to not only the history of the Luxury-Included® brand, its economic impact across the Caribbean as the region’s only Superbrand and leading hospitality group, but also its renovation progress and plans for Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Stewart shares that, “The discussions were immensely positive and we thank the government of Curaçao and in particular Prime Minister Pisas for taking the time to meet with us, learn more about our brand and how Sandals in Curaçao stands to further drive the local economy. We continue to be excited about this partnership opportunity with the government and people of Curaçao as I strongly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats.
Our 40-year history speaks to economic impact beyond direct employment when we enter a new destination. Curaçao is currently globally recognized and largely remains Dutch-centric with definitive boutique vacationing options. Sandals’ unparalleled worldwide marketing efforts and 84% brand recognition in main source markets such as the United States, Canada and United Kingdom, positions well to place Curaçao in a brand new light on the global map. This, alongside an influence-driven increase to direct airlift will undoubtedly see a new level of traveler interest to the island.
In addition, we are confident that our presence in Curaçao will not only elevate the country’s tourism product but also serve as a boost to other sectors such as agriculture, tours and attractions, cultural arts and performers and transportation,” Stewart added.
The Sandals executives also took the opportunity to highlight the recruitment challenges currently being experienced despite the ongoing intense recruitment drive which has seen job fairs, newspaper advertisements, a range of interviews on electronic media and pop up fairs to encourage applications. The team walked away with the assurance that support would be given to continue spreading the word on the employment opportunities and benefits, to include robust investment in training and development through its Sandals Corporate University that are available within Sandals, as well as working with the resort company for a solution in the immediate future.
“There is nothing to rival the warmth and hospitality of the people of each island in which we operate and we look forward to having as many Curaçao nationals on this journey with us - as ambassadors - not only for themselves and the Sandals brand, but also their unique island home of Curaçao. Curaçao is a true exotic and I fall deeper in love with its people and culture each time I visit. My team and I are extremely grateful for the warm welcome and support we have received to date and look forward to working hand-in-hand with the government and all existing tourism industry stakeholders as we continue to recover together and go into the future.”
At the end of the meeting Stewart and his team also provided a tour to showcase the progress of the Sandals Royal Curaçao renovations which is on track for completion and welcoming its first guests on April 14.