Sandals Resorts International Celebrates Four Decades of Impact with New Corporate Social Responsibility Report
Source: Sandals Resorts International
Reported By: Matthew Kennedy
April 22nd, 2025 — Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the family-owned powerhouse behind the Caribbean’s most iconic all-inclusive brands, has officially unveiled its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, Love Exceeds Expectations, just in time for Earth Month 2025. A sweeping reflection on over 40 years of community impact, environmental stewardship, and educational investment, the report reaffirms Sandals’ role not only as a hospitality leader, but as one of the Caribbean’s most passionate advocates.
"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. We aim to connect our guests more deeply to the Caribbean so when they visit us they will understand that they, too, are part of this effort."
Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International
A Legacy Rooted in Community and Environmental Care
Since its founding by Gordon "Butch" Stewart in 1981, Sandals Resorts International has gone beyond hospitality, weaving social responsibility into the very fabric of its business model. Through its not-for-profit Sandals Foundation, established in 2009, SRI has invested an impressive US$115 million into community initiatives, reaching over 1.7 million people across the Caribbean.
Among its standout achievements:
Local Sourcing: In Jamaica alone, 81% of Sandals’ annual purchases are made from local suppliers, with nearly 90% of all produce grown locally—amounting to 4.5 million pounds of fruits and vegetables and 360,000 dozen eggs annually.
Environmental Stewardship: The company has successfully planted nearly 30,000 trees and helped over 250,000 sea turtle hatchlings reach the sea through conservation partnerships.
Women's Empowerment: Women represent 51.3% of Sandals’ workforce, with nearly half holding management positions. Initiatives like Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA) continue to break barriers across the region.
Education Access: Through Sandals Corporate University, 100% of SRI team members receive occupational training and the opportunity to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at no cost.
The report also highlights innovative projects like partnering with AFC Ajax and Limpi in Curaçao to recycle 1.3 million pounds of plastic waste into football goals for local children—an initiative demonstrating the brand’s multifaceted commitment to sustainability.
A New Chapter: Deeper Guest Connections and Broader Community Benefits
Sandals’ latest initiatives reflect a brand constantly evolving. The Island Inclusive dining program encourages guests to experience off-site, locally owned restaurants, directly supporting local entrepreneurs. Beaches Resorts' autism-friendly programming ensures accessibility for neurodivergent travelers, while the Artisan Program fosters sustainable local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
"We believe in the power of tourism to transform lives and understand that Caribbean resilience grows from a deep respect for the environment, its people and its culture. This report is a testament to that legacy—and a promise to keep going."
Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International
To learn more, visit: https://www.sandals.com/corporate-responsibility/