Sandals Resorts’ Commitment to  St Vincent and The Grenadines Reaffirmed

2026-02-23 - 19:25

The Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, has reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to investment and tourism development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following high-level discussions with the country’s newly elected Prime Minister, Godwin Friday. Expansion Plans at Buccament Bay During the meeting with senior government officials, Stewart outlined ambitious expansion plans for the Sandals property at Buccament Bay. The company confirmed that tens of millions of U.S. dollars will be injected immediately into upgrading and expanding the resort’s infrastructure. Construction is already underway on 20 luxury Rondoval villas — a signature accommodation style known for privacy, private plunge pools, and premium amenities. Longer-term plans include the addition of more than 140 new guest rooms, significantly increasing the island’s high-end room stock and strengthening its competitiveness within the regional tourism market. In support of staff welfare and retention, Sandals has also completed more than 90 housing units for team members, a move aimed at improving living standards while ensuring operational stability as the resort expands. Strong Performance Since Opening Since opening two years ago, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has quickly positioned itself among the Caribbean’s leading luxury destinations. The resort has earned several international accolades, including recognition as the World’s Best All-Inclusive Resort, helping to elevate global awareness of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premium travel destination. Stewart emphasized that sustained visitor demand remains strong and highlighted ongoing collaboration with international airlines to increase airlift capacity — widely regarded as one of the most critical factors for tourism growth in smaller island economies. Increased flight access, he noted, benefits not only Sandals but also locally owned hotels, guesthouses, and tourism operators. Proposed Beaches Family Resort In addition to current upgrades, Stewart revealed plans for a major new investment through the development of a Beaches Resorts property. The first phase alone is projected to represent approximately US$350 million in investment, making it one of the largest tourism projects ever proposed for the country. The development is expected to diversify the destination’s tourism offerings by attracting families and multigenerational travelers, complementing the adults-only Sandals brand. Employment and Local Economic Impact The expansion initiatives are anticipated to generate hundreds of additional jobs, building on the roughly 800 Vincentians already employed locally by Sandals. The company also continues to provide regional employment opportunities across its Caribbean network. Stewart reiterated Sandals’ commitment to strengthening both economic and human resource capacity in the destination. Central to this approach is the company’s “buy local first” philosophy, which prioritizes partnerships with farmers, fisherfolk, taxi operators, tour providers, manufacturers, and other small and medium-sized enterprises. Government Support and Future Collaboration Prime Minister Friday welcomed the discussions and expressed his administration’s willingness to deepen cooperation with investors to stimulate sustainable economic growth. He noted that tourism remains a key pillar of national development and that strategic partnerships with major investors such as Sandals are essential to expanding opportunities for citizens. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister and his delegation — including the Attorney General, Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior public servants, and advisors — toured the resort facilities. Officials viewed several innovations driving visitor demand, including the property’s exclusive over-the-water bungalows and upgraded luxury amenities. Industry observers say the renewed investment signals strong confidence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ tourism potential and reinforces its emergence as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing upscale destinations.