The Nassau Guardian: The Nassau Guardian

A Bahamian resort is celebrating international success at the World Travel Awards as it unveils a number of new initiatives, including customers flying for free and bringing 1,500 travel agents to the islands.

Sandals was one of only three Bahamian interests to scoop an award at the prestigious event in London, picking up the title of the Caribbean's leading hotel brand.

At the awards Atlantis at Paradise Island was also named as the Caribbean's leading casino resort, and the Prince George's Dock in Nassau Port was named at the leading new tourism development in the Caribbean.

Hot on the heels of the success Sandals has targeted more than 1,500 travel agents to bring them to visit The Bahamas as part of its MEGA FAM project.

While here the agents, who will come from the East Coast and Midwest in US, will enjoy a two-night, three-day MEGA FAM trip which includes accommodation in one of the resort's luxurious rooms and an exclusive Junkanoo dinner party at Sandals Royal Bahamian's Private Island, Sandals Cay.

The travel agents will also have the opportunity to earn Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS) certification when they attend a four-hour training course, which armed participants with helpful tools to grow their business.

All workshops featured an in-depth look at the latest developments across the Sandals Resorts International portfolio including the newest addition, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma & Sandals Resorts new partnership with Martha Stewart Weddings.

In addition to trying to tempt travel agents Sandals has unveiled a new promotion for guests traveling to either Sandals Royal Bahamian or the Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma. Those who book a minimum four-night Luxury Included stay will receive complimentary airfare for their companion with the company's new Companion Flies Free promotion.

Plus guests who book a stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian by January 7, 2010 will also receive up to 60 percent off regular rack rates for travel through select dates in 2010. Guests who book a stay at Sandals Emerald Bay will receive up to 50 percent off regular rack rates and one night free, when they book a seven-night minimum stay.