Staycations helping hotels survive

Hospitality officials are welcoming the contribution of staycations to the survival of the hotel industry amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some hotels that have reopened after being closed since earlier this year due to a downturn in visitor arrivals and COVID-19 restrictions, have been offering special rates to Barbadians.

Executive Director of Intimate Hotels of Barbados (IHB) Davina Layne said the patronage from the local clientele, though not substantial, has nonetheless been a saviour.

“We do have some members who tend to be busier on the weekends now because of staycations. But, again, that is not widespread and it is more so on weekends. Not as sustainable as it could be or we would like it to be,” Layne told Barbados TODAY on Friday afternoon.

“But we are very appreciative of the staycation traffic because that has really helped a lot of the members to be able to open back, employ people and that sort of thing.

“We are encouraging people to come out and spend some time with us over the Independence weekend if they are able. We know everybody is not able,” she added.

When Barbados TODAY reached out to Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Senator Rudy Grant, he was not in a position to comment.