Caribbean Maverick Adam Stewart to keynote State of the Industry Conference

The leader of one of the world's leading resort companies will outline a vision for Caribbean tourism as he sets the tone for the region's most important tourism gatherings, the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC).The chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, will deliver the keynote address at the Sept. 14-16 event in Barbados, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Barbados' minister of tourism and international transport Richard Sealy announced this morning (watch the press briefing).

"We are honoured and excited to announce Mr Adam Stewart, the chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International as the keynoter for SOTIC. Sandals is an influential Caribbean brand. Its impact on the economies of the countries in which it operates, and the other benefits it brings, such as immense global exposure which we otherwise could not afford, cannot be missed," Mr. Sealy said at a news conference at the CTO headquarters.

Described as "a maverick on a mission, an energetic change agent, and an innovator who is not constrained by convention," Mr. Stewart is expected to share his views on the opportunities that lie ahead for Caribbean tourism and what must be done to cash in on these opportunities.

His presentation will focus on the conference theme,Honouring Our Legacy, Defining Our Future, and is expected to draw on the Sandal CEO's experiences in leading the growth and expansion of the global brand since he took over as its chief executive officer at the age of 25.

"As chief executive officer of a brand born in the Caribbean, it is my sincere pleasure to join my colleagues and my friends this September in Barbados to discuss not only the state of our industry but the myriad of opportunities that lie ahead. We are on the precipice of interesting days and I am excited to consider how, together, we will continue to make a visit to the Caribbean absolutely compelling," Mr. Stewart, who has overseen the expansion of the resorts and the introduction of industry-changing innovation and developments, said ahead of the news conference.

The keynote address will launch the first full day of the conference on Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Hilton Barbados Resort.Another leading presenter announced at today's news conference is Craig Landry, the president of Air Canada Leisure Group, who will be the featured speaker on Friday morning, Sept. 16.

Mr. Landry oversees the Air Canada Vacations tour operator business and the leisure airline Air Canada Rouge, both of which are important partners and stakeholders in Caribbean tourism. Canada is itself a longstanding and critically important tourism partner for the region."The combination of a keynoter who is the chief executive officer of the Caribbean's foremost hotel brand - Adam Stewart of Sandals - and a featured speaker who is from Air Canada, signals the importance we attach to our vision for the Caribbean," stated Hugh Riley, the CTO's secretary general.

Craig Landry has a complete understanding of Air Canada's pivotal role in the current environment, Canada's importance to the Caribbean, its economic challenges and opportunities, and its unique relationship with our region."A number of other presenters are being confirmed for SOTIC, which will explore subjects ranging from how to transition the product and multicultural and emerging markets to creating a luxury experience and the sharing economy.The CTO State of the Industry Conference is the pre-eminent tourism gathering in the region. It brings together tourism decision-makers, including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, hotel and airline executives, travel agents, students, the media and persons directly and indirectly involved in tourism. It is preceded by CTO business meetings, including meetings of the board of directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

This year's conference is organized in collaboration with Barbados' Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. For more information on SOTIC, including how you can register, participate and benefit, visit www.onecaribbean.org.

About The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados, offices in New York and London and representation in Canada, is the Caribbean's tourism development agency comprising membership of the region's finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO's vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

Theresa M. Oakes
KTCpr
(516) 594-4100
Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)