Open Jaw :: On The Town ::

with Theresa Storm
24NOV08

Sandals CEO Adam Stewart

Duncan Bureau (middle), VP sales and airline partnerships for WestJet Vacations, Sandals' newest partner, with Butch Stewart (L) and Adam Stewart (R).

A winner of a trip to Sandals or Beaches shows her appreciation to Andre Wade, Unique Vacations, Inc.

Devout Flock To Sandals Unveiling

It was like a revival meeting at a southern Baptist church.

The assembled devout were Alberta travel agents, some who travelled to Calgary from as far away as Edmonton, Red Deer, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, packing the Fairmont Palliser Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom.

They were there to hear the message of Sandals Resorts International.

Against a gigantic “Luxury Included Legacy Continues…” banner, a round of peppy Sandal-ites harnessed the power of humorous, compelling, face-to-face time to showcase new developments in the resorts’ four brands, share tools to help agents grow their business, and motivate them to sell, sell, sell.

Last night, “Gary (Sadler, Canadian vice president Unique Vacations, Inc.) actually turned water into wine,” joked Kevin Froemming, president Unique Vacations, Inc.

Briefly taking to the stage on the heels of son Adam, who delivered a rousing CEO sermon, chairman and founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart quipped: “Adam’s just talked to you for five hours. My job is to say thank you very much.”

Although the unveiling was sans gospel music, plenty of clapping, cheering, and standing ovations raised the decibel level, crescendoing to the likes of a frenetic game show.

Some of the 30 agents who won a week at any Sandals or Beaches – 16 including air (eight each courtesy Air Canada Vacations and WestJet Vacations) and five upgrades to suites – went over the top, literally, to show their appreciation.

I wonder how “host” Andre Wade’s back is after hoisting jubilant, limb-flailing women and being crushed by giant male bear hugs?