Jeremy Jones, regional managing director at Sandals Resorts International, used the words “safe ” and “close” to describe the Caribbean as the ideal vacation destination, especially with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Jones made the connection in a message to undecided travellers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Louis Grant Conference Center at Sandals Dunns River on March 3.

“For North American travellers, anything over four or five-hour flights are met with resistance,” he argued. “There is no turmoil in the Caribbean, and it’s safe and multicultural, and everyone in the Caribbean speaks English.”

The new Louis Grant Conference Center is designed to attract local and international business groups and was named after the Sandals hotelier who played a vital role in the success of Sandals International, who passed away on March 5, 2023.

His widow Debbie Grant was present at the ribbon cutting and said of her husband, ” Louis believed in leading with integrity, respect, care and guidance. He interviewed every single prospective employee and mentored many team members, always showing genuine concern for their aspirations.”

The new 8,000-square-foot facility, seating 360 at round tables and 500 theatre-style, forms part of a strategy to reposition the Ocho Rios region as a serious contender in the conference market, both locally and abroad.