Drive for more cruise business

Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) are working in collaboration with local transport operators to ensure they capture a greater and fairer share of the ground tour business on the phased resumption of cruise operations during the upcoming summer and winter 2021-22 season.

Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey, said Barbados Port Inc. is developing an online platform to connect taxis and small tour operators directly to cruise ship passengers, effectively deploying a practical, cost effective, modern technology solution to meet a real-world business need.

The Minister said the App will allow operators at the Port of Bridgetown increased market access through the offering of branded, custom-designed tours, uniquely targeting clientele desirous of more intimate be-spoke island tours.

It will also significantly enhance Barbados’ cruise product offering, with the addition of more attractions and some diversification of traditional larger tours while ensuring a greater share of the cruise business goes to taxi operators.

Direct linkages to cruise lines will also be supported by formalization of the taxi operators as a group under the Barbados Alive brand.

BTMI is working assiduously with the taxi operators to assist in acquiring the requisite local and international insurance for the offering of tour services to the cruise lines. The inclusion of other small operators under the Barbados Alive or similar umbrella brand is also being explored.

The Celebrity Millennium’s return to the Port of Bridgetown on Monday June 7, 2021 will be facilitated amidst strict adherence to national COVID-19 protocols for cruise, and the deployment of pre-booked, cruise line-approved “bubble tours” between the vessel and the shore excursion points, with restricted and controlled movement among visitors.

President of the Bridgetown Port Taxi Co-op Society Ltd., Adrian Bayley, said taxi operators are understanding of the current limitations associated with the safe return to cruise through the concept of the bubble tours. He noted the Association is however appreciative of the support offered to taxi operators in forging a way for greater inclusion and flexibility in tours services in the future.

President of the Independent Seaport Taxi Union, Anthony Eastmond, said his Association is keen on continuing collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, BPI and BTMI to welcome the cruise lines back and to meet the stringent requirements necessary to ensure better prospects for taxi operators, as restrictions are relaxed without compromise of safety. (PR)