Travel Impressions, Sandals Part Company

After 34 years of working together, Travel Impressions and Sandals Resorts Internationals are no longer partners, as Sandals has severed the relationship.

Travel Impressions will no longer sell Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple Beach resorts following a decision made by Sandals “to go in a different strategic direction,” Travel Impressions said Thursday.

The decision, which neither Sandals nor Travel Impressions has explained, goes into effect on Oct. 15.

Sandals bookings already in place for 2015, 2016 and 2017 will not be affected and will receive the same agent and/or client incentives that were in place at the time of the booking, including bonus commission, according to Travel Impressions.

Five years ago, Sandals terminated its wholesaler agreement with Apple Leisure Group’s Apple Vacations. In 2013, Apple Leisure Group acquired Travel Impressions.

“Although we are disappointed with Sandals’ decision, we will continue to provide our retail partners with promotional incentives, value-added, extraordinary service levels and other competitive advantages that will help them succeed in the dynamic travel business,” Travel Impressions President Jeff Clarke said in a statement.

“Travel Impressions has excellent relations with the highest quality resorts around the world and will continue to provide travel agents and their clients with a broad selection of all-inclusive and European Plan vacation options across the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as a diverse blend of other beach, urban and adventure destinations,” he added.

Source: Travel Weekly