ZIPPIN’ IT ISLAND STYLE AT JAPEX 2010

It’s been a busy and exciting past few days for me and the entire Sandals team! The Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), a travel industry tradeshow held every year in Jamaica, was in full swing this year with all its high-energy activities and schedule of events. Sponsored by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and the Jamaica Tourist Board, we were thrilled to represent all of the Sandals brands at the event, and even Island Routes, our Six Star Diamond Award recipient, a first-time honor for any tour company! Also, we got the chance to share new and exciting information about our renovations of Grand Pineapple; our newest gem, Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma Bahamas; and also big news on the Beaches front with the launch of our Martha Stewart Crafts Studio and the arrival of our newest furry friend!

Before heading off to New York to meet Big Bird, the JAPEX official opening wouldn’t have been complete without the welcome reception hosted on Sandals Island, the private offshore escape a boat ride away from Sandals Royal Caribbean. To kick-things off at the highly-anticipated island party, I ziplined in by canopy, just one of the many thrilling adventures offered by Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, before heading off to the ‘big apple.’ Water-bonfires lined the route to the bash and Soul Rebel (the newest addition to the Island Routes’ catamaran fleet) decorated the docks. The drinks were flowing, there was good food from all around the world, and the delegates in attendance danced the night away. We were at this year’s JAPEX in full force and we can’t wait to do it again next year!!! 

Nothing like a grand entrance to ring in this year’s JAPEX celebration.

Always there to lend a helping hand, the Chairman joins in on the fun. 

There’s the Chairman and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, flanked by larger-than-life entertainers.