The resorts operator, which first opened its doors in Montego Bay on 27 November, 1981, has marked the milestone by announcing the construction of The Gordon "Butch" Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism.

The school will be located at The University of the West Indies in conjunction with Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

 
The new school will complement the Sandals Corporate University, which was established to provide Caribbean-based Sandals team members with opportunities to improve and develop occupational skills, and to earn undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

SRI, in partnership with the Sandals Foundation, will also identify and support forty projects that benefit the Caribbean communities it serves to mark the milestone.

Schemes will be selected across five main areas: supporting local farmers, hospitality training and certification, preserving natural resources, harnessing artisan crafts and community outreach.

The company also plans to launch its first-ever podcast, the "Sandals PalmCast", to give listeners an overview of the latest updates from across its resorts. 

It will also offer a side-by-side 1981/2021 cocktail menu for its guests to sample at it resorts, with weekly poolside celebrations to mark the anniversary. A new range of vintage t-shirts and retail collections will be available in beach house resort shops.

SRI executive chairman Adam Stewart said this year marks an "incredible milestone" for Sandals Resorts.

"Since the flagship opening in 1981 at Sandals Montego Bay, we have continued to elevate and lead the all-inclusive resort space," he added. 

"More than that, we have demonstrated that some of the industry’s most exciting and lasting hospitality innovation is created in the Caribbean.  

"I’m proud to celebrate this milestone for our company alongside our Sandals family as we look to the next 40 years of inspired Caribbean vision and innovation."