Tourism boost from CARICOM Summit – BTMI

Barbados’ hosting of the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting has not only facilitated high-level diplomatic discussions but has also provided a significant economic boost to the island’s tourism industry, according to Chief Product Development Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Marsha Alleyne.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, Alleyne highlighted the positive tourism impact of hosting CARICOM leaders, European Union officials, and other international representatives in the country.

“It’s a significant benefit, not just from an economic perspective but from a tourism perspective as well,” Alleyne said on Friday.

She noted that delegates have been staying at various accommodations across the island, including the Wyndham Grand Barbados – Sam Lord’s Castle, West Coast hotels, South Coast properties, and Airbnbs.

“In addition to that, I know that they have been utilising the restaurants all across the island in the evening, after the caucuses and plenaries have taken place, to continue their business discussions,” she added.

Alleyne further noted that the after-hours itinerary for summit delegates has also been designed to promote Barbadian culture, local businesses, and tourism experiences, sharing that the BTMI has organised a special event in the north of the island at Haymans Market, where delegates will have the opportunity to engage with local vendors and experience Barbadian hospitality firsthand.

“All of the vendors at Haymans will be open for the entire evening, so not only do they have the after-party [Friday evening], but they’ll have an opportunity to purchase some of the items,” she said.

She also shared the incorporation of a new feature into this year’s CARICOM meeting by allowing local artisans and vendors to set up booths on-site at the summit venue, giving delegates direct access to local crafts and souvenirs.

“We had some of our service providers, our vendors, here on property, being able to showcase some of the artifacts and the type of souvenirs that persons can get, and they have been patronising those vendors as well,” Alleyne said.

The BTMI official further stressed that hosting international delegates in Barbados could also lead to repeat visits and an increase in future tourism arrivals.

“After people come to this island, they want to come back and bring their families and have a real vacation. So it’s an opportunity for us to showcase the best of who we are,” she said.

She also noted that the BTMI has been working in partnership with the government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office, to deliver a seamless, high-quality experience that positions Barbados as a prime destination for international visitors.

She said: “We are operating as a one-government initiative, bringing together foreign affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., and other entities to ensure that we showcase the very best of the best and that we are able to give the kind of hospitality that we’re used to.”

With CARICOM leaders discussing improvements to regional air and sea transportation, Alleyne also noted that the BTMI is looking to capitalise on expanded connectivity to increase tourist arrivals from the Caribbean.

“Obviously from an airline perspective, we’re always trying to get more airline connectivity into the island,” she said.

She commended Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill for his work in securing increased airlift to Barbados in 2024, adding that the BTMI intends to build on these gains in the coming months and years.

“We hope to see more increased airlift into the island over the coming months and the coming years,” she said. (SM)