North American Travel Advisors are feeling optimistic about the Caribbean’s tourism industry, expecting it to thrive in 2024.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) recently held a meeting with Chapter Presidents from 50 U.S. states at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, where the board members shared their observations.

According to the President and CEO of ASTA, Zane Kirby, millennials are now occupying management positions and prioritizing travel.

He also noted that this age group, comprising over 70 million people, prefers travel over almost any other discretionary spend, even housing.

The travel advisors also expressed that despite the increase of online options, many travelers still seek the assistance of travel advisors to manage their travel experience. This is where the advisors’ onsite experience becomes invaluable.

They can provide firsthand knowledge of the destinations, which is something that internet search engines cannot offer.

The Minister of Tourism of Antigua, Charles Henry Fernandez, acknowledged Sandals Resorts for its role in bringing regional destinations and the travel trade closer together.

This cooperation ensures that the Caribbean gets the exposure necessary to make it the preferred destination of choice for travelers.

Mr. Fernandez also recognized the importance of the US as their most significant source market. ASTA delivers the largest number of tourists from the US, making it crucial for them to visit and experience the Caribbean.

Gary Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, the exclusive marketing partner for Sandals Resorts, expressed their commitment to their relationship with ASTA and travel advisors.

They recognize the vital role played by these travel advisors in driving Caribbean tourism. Sandals Resorts continues to host travel advisors at all their resorts throughout the region, intending to expose them to even more destinations in the future.

Mr. Sadler emphasized that experiencing and exploring the destinations is essential in allowing travel advisors to accept how wonderful these islands of the Caribbean are.

ASTA’s Caribbean Showcase will take place at Sandals Royal Curacao later this year. The event is highly anticipated and is expected to provide further exposure and support to the Caribbean’s tourism industry, bolstering its growth.