Adam Stewart stands as a pivotal figure in the luxury all-inclusive resort industry, most notably as the Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Inheriting the mantle from his iconic father, the late Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the founder of Sandals, Adam has not only continued his father’s legacy but has also propelled the brand to new heights in its 40-year history. His journey, marked by innovation and a deep understanding of the evolving travel landscape, makes him a key figure for anyone involved in Caribbean tourism, particularly travel agents utilizing platforms like a Sandals Resorts Travel Agent Portal.
Born in the same year his father acquired his first hotel, 1981, Adam Stewart grew up immersed in the world of hospitality. This early exposure, combined with his formal education at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, laid a solid foundation for his future leadership. He didn’t just step into his father’s shoes; he earned his position through years of dedicated work within the company. After graduation, Stewart undertook a comprehensive immersion across Sandals Resorts International’s Caribbean operations. This hands-on experience across the 24 resorts spanning three brands and ten islands gave him an intimate understanding of every facet of the business, preparing him to lead the expansion into new destinations like Curaçao and Saint Vincent and introduce groundbreaking concepts such as over-the-water accommodations.
Adam Stewart’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding Sandals Resorts and innovating the luxury all-inclusive experience.
Stewart’s leadership, working alongside his father, has garnered Sandals Resorts international recognition, including the prestigious title of The World Travel Awards’ Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Company for 25 consecutive years. His personal accolades, such as Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s Hotelier of the Year 2015 and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Hotelier of the Year, further underscore his impact on the industry. These achievements are not just personal triumphs but also reflect the success and reliability of Sandals Resorts as a preferred partner for travel agents accessing resources via a sandals resorts travel agent portal.
Beyond his role at Sandals, Adam Stewart demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by launching Island Routes Caribbean Adventures. Recognizing the allure of the Caribbean beyond the resorts, he created a tour company that showcases the diverse experiences the region offers. From a small venture, Island Routes has grown into a multiple World Travel-Award-winning company, employing 200 people and offering hundreds of adventures across 12 countries. This initiative highlights Stewart’s commitment to enriching the overall Caribbean tourism ecosystem, benefiting not only visitors but also local communities and businesses that travel agents can confidently recommend through their sandals resorts travel agent portal offerings.
Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, founded by Adam Stewart, provides diverse and exciting tour experiences across the Caribbean.
The Stewart family’s business acumen extends beyond hospitality and tourism. Adam is also the Executive Chairman of the ATL Group, a conglomerate encompassing the Jamaica Observer, a leading national newspaper, and Appliance Traders Limited (ATL). ATL, founded in 1968, is known for distributing top electronic brands and its commitment to customer service. Under Adam’s modernizing leadership, ATL has expanded into new sectors while staying true to the service philosophy established by his father. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018 as one of Jamaica’s largest private sector organizations, ATL’s success mirrors the broader business philosophy Adam Stewart brings to all his ventures, including ensuring efficient and supportive systems for partners like those using a sandals resorts travel agent portal.
Adam Stewart’s passion for innovation is also evident in his ventures into the automotive industry. He revolutionized Jamaica’s automotive sector through the rapid expansion of ATL Automotive, securing distributorships for major brands like Audi, Volkswagen, and Honda. The creation of ATL Autobahn in 2016 further solidified his impact, becoming the dealer and regional master dealer for BMW and MINI in the Caribbean. The addition of Porsche under ATL Motorsports and Kia under ATL Tiger Automotive brand further diversified his automotive portfolio. This expansion showcases his ability to identify opportunities and drive growth across diverse industries, a testament to the same leadership that ensures Sandals Resorts remains at the forefront of the all-inclusive luxury market and provides robust tools for travel professionals via a sandals resorts travel agent portal.
ATL Automotive, under Adam Stewart’s leadership, has transformed the automotive industry in Jamaica.
Further diversifying his business portfolio, in 2016, ATL Automotive partnered with Enterprise Holdings Inc., the world’s largest car rental company, in a groundbreaking tri-brand franchise partnership. This brought Alamo, National, and Enterprise brands to Jamaica, strategically located at airports and city centers. In 2017, Stewart introduced Starbucks® to Jamaica, partnering with Margaritaville Caribbean Group to form Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited. These ventures outside of the core resort business illustrate Stewart’s wide-ranging entrepreneurial vision and his ability to bring global brands and experiences to the Caribbean, enhancing the region’s appeal to travelers and providing more options for travel agents to offer through platforms like a sandals resorts travel agent portal.
Despite his extensive business interests, Adam Stewart remains deeply committed to giving back to the Caribbean. In 2009, he founded the Sandals Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting Caribbean communities through education and environmental protection. As President of the Sandals Foundation, he channels the resources of the Sandals brand to address critical issues in the region. His commitment to social responsibility extends to healthcare as well. He serves as Ambassador of the Caribbean SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Project and founded We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital. His philanthropic efforts were recognized with the Ambassador for the Poor Award by Food for the Poor in 2018. This dedication to the well-being of the Caribbean people reinforces the positive impact of Sandals Resorts beyond tourism, creating a brand that travel agents can proudly represent when using a sandals resorts travel agent portal.
The Sandals Foundation, founded by Adam Stewart, focuses on education and environmental protection in the Caribbean.
Recognizing the importance of education and training within the hospitality sector, Stewart established the Sandals Corporate University/ATL Academy of Excellence in 2012. This institution provides professional development opportunities for Sandals and ATL Group employees, underscoring his commitment to building a world-class team. This investment in human capital reflects the high standards of service and guest experience that Sandals Resorts is known for, factors that are crucial for travel agents to convey when booking through a sandals resorts travel agent portal.
Adam Stewart’s contributions to tourism and the hotel industry have been nationally recognized with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) from the Government of Jamaica in 2016. He was also named the 2016 Caribbean American Mover & Shaker – Humanitarian of the Year and honored with the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Jerry Award in 2017. His recent service as 1st Vice President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and his current role chairing the country’s Tourism Linkages Council further demonstrate his ongoing commitment to strengthening Caribbean tourism.
Adam Stewart’s leadership is not just about business success; it’s about vision, innovation, and a deep commitment to the Caribbean region. For travel agents, understanding his drive and passion for excellence provides confidence in partnering with Sandals Resorts and utilizing resources like a sandals resorts travel agent portal. His dedication to luxury, service, and the Caribbean ensures that Sandals Resorts remains a premier choice for discerning travelers and a valuable partner for the travel industry. Adam, along with his wife Jill and their children, embodies a legacy of leadership and a future of continued growth and positive impact for Sandals Resorts and the Caribbean.
