January 7 - The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) issues the following statement in response to the recent passing of Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder, owner and chairman of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and other entities. The news was reported by The Jamaica Observer, where he served as chairman.

 

“ASTA joins with the travel community in mourning the recent death of Butch Stewart, an innovator, a visionary and a legendary entrepreneur – but more importantly a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As his son Adam said, Butch was ‘a singular personality and an unstoppable force who reveled in defying the odds, exceeding expectations and whose passion for his family was matched only by the people and possibility of the Caribbean, for whom he was a fierce champion."

 

“A champion as well for the travel agency community, we will miss him and express our deepest condolences to the Stewart family and to everyone at Sandals for their loss. A mighty oak in our midst has fallen. Rest in peace, Butch.”

 

 

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