The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has wrapped up its sold-out Caribbean Showcase 2025, held August 23–27 at the luxurious Sandals South Coast Resort in Whitehouse, Jamaica. More than 350 travel advisors, suppliers and industry leaders from across the globe came together for a week filled with destination immersion, high-level educational programming and exceptional networking opportunities designed to strengthen partnerships and grow Caribbean travel sales.

“Caribbean Showcase is where relationships are built, ideas are exchanged and the beauty of the destination speaks for itself,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. “By bringing advisors and suppliers together in such an immersive setting, we create the connections and knowledge that help our members thrive and inspire travelers for years to come.”

Set along a two-mile stretch of Jamaica’s pristine south coast, Sandals South Coast provided an idyllic backdrop with its Blue Mahoe Over-Water Villas, Over-Water Wedding Chapel, beachfront swim-up suites and new Rondoval Village. Attendees experienced the property’s world-class hospitality while also venturing offsite for guided tours in Negril, a Reggae Catamaran snorkeling cruise and a full-day excursion to YS Falls and Appleton Estate, complete with lunch and rum tasting.

“ASTA’s steadfast dedication to championing and enhancing the vital role of travel advisors is truly admirable and perfectly aligned with the vision of Sandals and Beaches Resorts,” said Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “Championing this incredible community of advisors is especially meaningful here, at our home in Jamaica, where we get to share the magic that brings our islands to life for travelers every day.”

This year’s Showcase also welcomed a distinguished group of Caribbean government and tourism officials, underscoring the event’s regional importance. Among the notable attendees were Ministers of Tourism from Jamaica, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Turks & Caicos, St. Kitts, and Grenada, as well as Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and representatives from the Curaçao Tourist Board, Discover Puerto Rico, and other key partners. In a standout moment, the ministers, alongside Gary C. Sadler of Unique Vacations, Inc., honored ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby with the prestigious Caribbean Excellence Award, a lifetime achievement recognition celebrating his enduring commitment and significant contributions to tourism development across the region.

Educational programming included a vibrant trade show, engaging general sessions led by tourism board leaders and industry experts and targeted learning designed to help advisors sell Caribbean travel more effectively. Networking was woven throughout the experience, from casual conversations over dinner to special gatherings like the pickleball lesson sponsored by the Dominican Republic Tourism Board and the Young Professionals Society nightcap meet-up.

The event culminated in the lively “Colors of the Caribbean” farewell reception, where attendees celebrated under the stars with tropical cuisine, cocktails and live entertainment, dressed in bright and festive attire that reflected the spirit of the region

This year’s program not only showcased the diverse offerings of Jamaica but also reinforced the collaborative spirit between the travel advisor community and the Caribbean’s tourism partners. Through shared experiences, firsthand destination knowledge and personal connections made on-site, participants left better equipped to promote the region and deliver exceptional travel experiences to their clients.

To view photos from ASTA Caribbean Showcase 2025, please click here.