Talma calls for cohesiveness in tourism

Prominent Barbadian windsurfer, Brian Talma, is demanding tourism stakeholders and investors think outside the box as it relates to beach tourism.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY shortly after the conclusion of Waterman Festival 2019 which featured two days of competition in water and beach sports, the owner of DeAction Surf Shop contended that developers ought to develop existing hot spots rather than venture into unchartered territory.

“Throughout Barbados we need to develop different places. We do not invest in a place that is already developed,” Talma stressed.

The veteran surfer argued that there were a number of beaches that could be further developed and further invested in for water sports activities aside from the popular Silver Rock in Silver Sands, Christ Church.

“What these people need to do is to go and develop Long Beach. Long Beach is a very good place to go and do kite surfing. The reason nobody is there is because it is barren. When I came here 30 years ago it was barren too and I spent my money my sweat to develop what you see here today. This didn’t happen magically, it took 30 years of hard work,” Talma emphasized.

Talma believed that the island’s tourism product was declining. He argued the various branches of the tourism sector worked in isolation, which did not help the promotion of the island’s numerous services.

“We are not well connected,” Talma said while adding, “we need the tour operators to bring the tours here [Silver Rock Beach].

Whilst acknowledging that his business has been affected by the sargassum and the ongoing petition against his business because of the positioning of beach chairs and umbrellas, Talma told Barbados TODAY he wishes to promote organic tourism which incorporates the community and the commercial businesses in the area.

“My vision is not only about the sea, but it is also about the people. My vision is way past what we are doing here in Barbados when it comes to tourism,” commented Talma.