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ASTA Caribbean Showcase Brings Glitz TO Turks and Caicos


Travel advisors seen at a section of the Beaches TCI Ballroom during ASTA Showcase.

More than 250 travel advisors from various corners of the United States converged at Beaches Turks and Caicos for the highly anticipated 2023 American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Caribbean Showcase.


This exclusive event, which took place from August 28 to 31, brought together travel industry leaders, tourism ministers, and executives from prominent travel organizations.


A Gathering of Industry Titans


Gary Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc., the promotional arm of the Sandals/Beaches chain, hosted the event alongside Hon. Josephine Connolly, the Minister of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The presence of Zane Kirby, President and CEO of ASTA, further elevated the event's significance.


Exploring the Caribbean Islands


The ASTA members used this occasion to embark on an immersive and educational journey through the Turks and Caicos Islands while also delving into the offerings of the wider Caribbean region.


Turks and Caicos as a Premier Destination


Gary Sadler emphasized the importance of hosting the event in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the island's significance as a global tourism destination. He noted that ASTA represents a substantial portion of the travel advisory industry, with approximately 25,000 travel advisors among its members. This event provided an opportunity to introduce the most influential figures in the travel industry to the destination, benefiting Turks and Caicos by increasing its exposure.


Zane Kirby, President and CEO of ASTA (right) and Minister of Tourism Hon. Josephine Connolly react to one of the presentations during the ASTA Showcase.

He further explained, "Just about 50 percent of the chapter presidents and board members are visiting Turks and Caicos for the first time. What that does is it exposes the industry to Turks and Caicos, and at Beaches, we are always happy to showcase the destination." In essence, this event aimed to demonstrate the appeal and value of Turks and Caicos as a brand in the travel industry.


ASTA: A Global Travel Advocate


The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is recognized as the world's leading association of travel professionals and serves as a global advocate for travel agencies, the travel industry, and the traveling public. ASTA members are responsible for representing 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel, making them a key conduit for the Turks and Caicos Islands' largest source market for tourism.


Ministers Acknowledge the Value of Travel Advisors


The presence of tourism ministers from various countries at the event underscored the recognition of travel advisors' pivotal role in driving tourism-driven economies. Both Gary Sadler and Jeff Clarke, CEO of Unique Vacations, Inc., reiterated Sandals' unwavering commitment to supporting and promoting the Caribbean islands.


The 2023 ASTA Caribbean Showcase served as a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership in promoting travel destinations, and it solidified the position of Turks and Caicos as a premier destination in the eyes of the travel industry's decision-makers. As travel advisors return to their associations and partners, they carry with them a newfound appreciation for the Caribbean's offerings, ensuring that the region remains a top choice for travelers.

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