The Sandals Foundation has secured a prestigious World Travel Market Global Award in recognition of the work it undertakes as the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman World Travel Market Fiona Jeffery presented the award to Wayne Cummings, Director of Business Process and Administration Chief Executive, Sandals Resorts International, at today’s (Monday 7 November) WTM VIP Opening & Reception Ceremony.

WTM’s Global Media Network, comprising of key travel industry media around the world, put forward organisations and individuals which have contributed to their region’s travel and tourism industry. The Sandals Foundation was nominated by Travel Weekly USA. Its Editor in Chief, Arnie Weissmann, jointly presented the award with Jeffery.

The Sandals Foundation represents the culmination of three decades of dedication to the Caribbean by Sandals and brings to life the hotel operator’s belief that being good neighbours and citizens is a non-negotiable duty. The Sandals Foundation invests in sustainable projects in education, the environment and communities and aims to preserve and protect the beauty of the Caribbean. It receives countless requests for help from across the islands and seeks to do everything it can to respond to as many as possible. The Sandals Foundation allows both the company and its staff to do more to achieve what needs to be done on the islands.

Jeffery said: “The Sandals Foundation is an impressive medium, allowing the company to give back to the communities that have supported it. Its ability to harness the passion, energy and skills of its staff on behalf of others is second to none.”

Every year, World Travel Market Global Awards are presented. The other 2011 winners are: Italy’s Chapter of the Green Meeting Industry Council, Butlin’s, the Renaissance Moscow Hotel, the Middle East’s WILD Guanabana, India-based The Lalit Group, Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, Spain’s RENFE, Sao Paulo Turismo and The Travel Corporation Canada.