BHTA to focus on COVID-19 at first quarterly meeting

In light of the impact of the global spread of COVID-19 on its members and the island’s tourism industry, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) will focus its attention on the pandemic at its First Quarterly General Meeting on Tuesday, March 17.

The breakfast-meeting will be held at the Hilton Barbados Resort at 8 am, and will feature presentations by Dr Anton Best, Chief Medical Officer (Ag) and Dr Manohar Singh, Medical Officer of Health (Ports), both of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

CEO of the BHTA, Senator Rudy Grant, explained that although there were no reported cases of COVID-19 in Barbados to date, the spread of the virus world-wide was still having a major effect on the tourism industry.

He noted, “We have already received reports from members about cancellation of bookings and millions of dollars in loss of revenue as a result, which is a major concern, especially at this time of year. We have been communicating with them and are fully committed to providing assistance where possible.

“Tuesday’s meeting will be an additional platform to do so, as we seek to keep our members up-to-date and provide information on plans and the measures being put in place to respond to the threat of the virus.”

During the Promotech-sponsored meeting, Chairman of the BHTA Stephen Austin will also give remarks while Senator Grant will present the Administrative Review for the last quarter.

The meeting is open to the public.