TORONTO — Joan Haines, Principal of Coastal International, Toronto who handled PR for Sandals Resorts for over 25 years, has announced her retirement and the closure of her business, effective June 1.

Haines began her relationship with Sandals Resorts following the opening of Sandals Antigua, even prior to the establishment of Unique Vacations’ Canadian office. At that time, the all-inclusive product was still relatively new in Canada, as was the ‘couples only’ concept.

Throughout the years, working with the full support of Gary C. Sadler and Maureen Barnes-Smith and their teams, Haines played a significant role in building the Sandals brand through public relations, promotions, local advertising, and marketing communications programs, from development through to implementation.

She referred to her work with Sandals as the “highlight of a long career in travel, tourism and hospitality”, saying that Sandals has given her the opportunity to do her best and most rewarding work.

Sandals Resorts International public relations efforts in Canada will continue with Tracy McCann at the reins. As of June 1, McCann can be reached at tracy.mccann@pembrokepr.ca and at (416) 949-9716.