by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:40 AM ET, Mon October 19, 2026
WHY IT RATES: Stewart, the Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, received the 2026 International Achievement Award from the American Friends of Jamaica for his leadership and commitment to Jamaica. — Lacey Pfalz, Senior Editor, News & Features at TravelPulse
In recognition of his longstanding contributions to Jamaica and the Caribbean, Adam Stewart, CD, Hon. LLD, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, has been honored with the 2026 International Achievement Award from the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ). Stewart received the honor during the organization's annual Hummingbird Gala on October 16 at The Plaza Hotel, where Emmy Award-winning actress, advocate and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph was also recognized with the International Humanitarian Award.
The celebration marked one of the final major galas at New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel ahead of its reported four-year closure. Bringing together distinguished leaders, philanthropists and supporters of Jamaica, the evening also featured remarks from Jamaica's Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, along with a performance by pioneering reggae and dancehall artist Sister Nancy. The annual gala raises funds in support of AFJ's work in education, healthcare and economic development across Jamaica.
Coming just ahead of the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, the recognition carries added significance. The International Achievement Award celebrates Stewart's decades of leadership across Jamaica's tourism and business sectors, as well as his commitment to strengthening communities across the island and wider Caribbean. Through his leadership of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, alongside his entrepreneurial and philanthropic work, Stewart has helped shape the evolution of Caribbean tourism while creating opportunities for the people who power the region.
During his acceptance remarks, Stewart said, “It is the greatest honor for me to be here with my family and share with the world the magic and gifts of Jamaica. In 1981, my late father had a bold idea: to start a hotel company with just 99 rooms beside an airport in Montego Bay. Today, I have the privilege of carrying that vision and legacy forward. What began as a simple dream has grown into a globally recognized brand, proudly standing on the world stage. What makes that journey truly remarkable is what it has shown about the extraordinary gifts, talent and spirit of the Caribbean people. More than 20,000 team members are part of our organization today, 97 percent of them born in the Caribbean, with Jamaica at its heart. We'll keep showing up every day and doing everything we can for this extraordinary island. We will never stop.”
Jamaica remains central to the company's growth strategy, with Stewart leading a US$200 million transformation of three of Sandals' most iconic Jamaican resorts following Hurricane Melissa. After closing in the wake of the storm, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay are being completely reimagined with new accommodations, redesigned pools, expanded dining concepts and elevated guest experiences. Sandals South Coast is scheduled to reopen on November 18, followed by Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay on December 18, marking a significant milestone in Jamaica's tourism recovery and the company's continued investment in the island.
Even as the affected resorts remained closed, Stewart and Sandals pledged to keep 100% of the company's Jamaican team members on payroll with benefits intact, while committing more than US$5 million to direct team member recovery support. Through the Sandals Foundation, the company also mobilized relief efforts to assist storm-affected communities across Jamaica, reinforcing Stewart's longstanding commitment to the island and the people whose livelihoods depend on its tourism industry.
That commitment to human development is embedded in Sandals' DNA. In 2012, Stewart founded Sandals Corporate University to expand Caribbean team members' access to professional certifications, degree programs and lifelong learning opportunities. As President of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, he also champions initiatives spanning education, community development and environmental conservation throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
Together, these efforts reflect the enduring commitment to Jamaica and the Caribbean at the heart of Stewart's recognition. As the island looks toward a new chapter of tourism growth, his leadership remains focused on ensuring that the region's success is shared by the people who call it home.
SOURCE: Sandals and Beaches Resorts press release.
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