Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman World Travel Market Fiona Jeffery presented the award to Wayne Cummings, Director of Business Processes and Administration, Sandals Resorts International, on Monday November 7 during the WTM’s VIP Opening & Reception Ceremony in London, England.

WTM's Global Media Network, comprising of key travel industry media around the world, put forward organisations and individuals which have contributed to their region's travel and tourism industry. The Sandals Foundation was nominated by Travel Weekly USA. Its Editor in Chief, Arnie Weissmann, jointly presented the award with Jeffery.

The Sandals Foundation represents the culmination of three decades of dedication to the Caribbean by Sandals and brings to life the hotel operator's belief that being good neighbours and citizens is a non-negotiable duty. The Sandals Foundation invests in sustainable projects in education, the environment and communities and aims to preserve and protect the beauty of the Caribbean. It receives countless requests for help from across the islands and seeks to do everything it can to respond to as many as possible. The Sandals Foundation allows both the company and its staff to do more to achieve what needs to be done on the islands.
Jeffery said, “The Sandals Foundation is an impressive medium, allowing the company to give back to the communities that have supported it. Its ability to harness the passion, energy and skills of its staff on behalf of others is second to none.”

Adam Stewart, President of the Sandals Foundation’s Board of Directors was elated with the news. “To be recognised by the World Travel Market, one of the most prominent travel organisations in the entire world, is incredibly humbling and a great testament to the work of, not just our Sandals team members, but also our travel partners who all play a huge role in making a difference to the lives of those who need it the most,” remarked Stewart. “By its very nature, the work of the Sandals Foundation is never complete but an award such as this drives us on to greater and greater heights and is a tremendous honour,” Stewart continued.

Every year, World Travel Market Global Awards are presented. The other 2011 winners are: Italy's Chapter of the Green Meeting Industry Council, Butlin's, the Renaissance Moscow Hotel, the Middle East's WILD Guanabana, India-based The Lalit Group, Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, Spain's RENFE, Sao Paulo Turismo and The Travel Corporation Canada.