MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Sandals Resorts International unveiled its Corporate Social Responsibility Report Tuesday, documenting four decades of community investment and environmental conservation across the Caribbean region where the company operates its all-inclusive resorts.
The report, titled “Love Exceeds Expectations,” details initiatives in education, community development and environmental protection undertaken by the family-owned resort company and its nonprofit Sandals Foundation.
“Many may not realize that Sandals is a family-owned company, born in Jamaica and dedicated to ensuring that tourism benefits Caribbean people, communities and the natural beauty that makes our home one of the most beautiful places in all the world,” said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International.
Since its founding in 1981 by Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the company has become one of the largest private employers in the Caribbean tourism sector.
Community investments and environmental protection
The report highlights $115 million invested in community programs that have reached 1.7 million people through the Sandals Foundation, established in 2009.
Environmental initiatives include planting nearly 30,000 trees for reforestation and coastal protection, along with coral reef restoration projects that have planted over 33,000 coral fragments with a reported 90% survival rate.
The company also prioritizes local sourcing, with 81% of all annual purchases in Jamaica made with local suppliers and 90% of produce grown by Jamaican farmers, according to the report.
Workforce development focus
Women comprise 51.3% of the company’s workforce with nearly half in management positions, the report states.
The company enrolls all employees in its Sandals Corporate University, providing occupational training and opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at no cost.
Recent initiatives include an “Island Inclusive” program allowing resort guests to dine at local restaurants, autism-friendly accommodations at Beaches Resorts, and an artisan program supporting local craftspeople.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Report coincides with Earth Month celebrations and outlines the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices throughout its operations in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines.
