Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, fierce competition drove the tourism industry. Businesses worked independently, with no sense of shared mission. Now, more than two years on, one industry executive said that’s all changed. On a recent episode of Influencers with Yahoo Finance,Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart explained how COVID-19’s effects on the economy helped to “unify” players in the tourism industry.

Since Adam Stewart’s appointment as chief executive four years ago, Sandals has experienced unprecedented growth, transforming the all-inclusive concept with its Luxury Included resorts. As Sandals Royal Caribbean & Private Island in Jamaica prepares to host to the prestigious World Travel Awards next week, BTN caught up with Stewart, to find out just how the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand has maintained its 30 year industry leading status, achieving growth in the midst of one of the most volatile economic storms.

Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts and one of the travel industry’s youngest and most inspirational leaders is to take WTM World Responsible Tourism Day’s HOTseat. The 29-year-old follows in the prestigious footsteps of travel heads such as Ed Fuller of Marriott and Peter Long of TUI Travel.

Adam Stewart, CEO, Sandals speaks to Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market 2008