Hoteliers say move on UK watchlist could be devastating for tourism

Barbados’ tourism industry is continuing on an upward trend based on forward bookings but local officials remain concerned about the island being on the UK’s green “watchlist”.

Describing the UK’s traffic light system as a deterrent to individuals who wished to travel, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Geoffrey Roach said remaining on the green list was crucial.

Being on the watchlist means that there is a danger of being moved back to the amber list in the traffic light system.

“We want to remain as a destination at the top of the list . . . . It is important for us to remain on that green list,” said Roach. “The implication certainly could be that some persons who might opt to travel might choose not to and I certainly wouldn’t want that to happen.”

Just over a week ago, the country was placed on the green “watchlist” when the UK government updated its travel protocols. Being on the green list means that Brits will not have to quarantine upon their return home.

However, being on the amber list means that even if travellers leave the UK fully vaccinated against the virus, they must take a COVID-19 test here, pay for two tests on their return and quarantine for ten days.

In spite of the “watchlist” listing, Roach said recent information showed that over the last few weeks, arrivals out of the UK have been picking up.

“We are seeing increasing numbers of flights from the UK throughout the rest of the year, so we wouldn’t want that to be impacted by any potential change from the green list to any other colour,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the BHTA Senator Rudy Grant recalled that there was an immediate spike in bookings out of the UK following the decision to put Barbados on the green list at the end of June.

“Any issue with respect to moving from green is something that is going to be of significant concern. Of course, we recognize this is a very fluid environment and the implications with respect to the performance of the industry relate to both what is happening in the source markets as well as what is happening in our island,” he said.

However, providing an overall update on the industry performance, an upbeat Grant said forward bookings were “looking positive”.

Pointing to the increased airlift out of the UK market, he said occupancy levels were already on the increase.

He said at the beginning of July there was a projection of about 32 per cent occupancy, but the anticipation was now for a 44 per cent occupancy for that month.

“A lot of that is because of the additional business coming out of the UK. It is something that we are paying close attention to,” said Grant.

He further reported that future occupancy levels were “looking good” with projections for August at 55 per cent, September (43 per cent), October (51 per cent), November (70 per cent), December (63 per cent) and January 2022 (51 per cent).

“That is with only close to 50 per cent of our members reporting,” he said.

Grant added that it was necessary that local officials and residents continue to take all necessary precautions to stave off any dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases in an effort to “see the revitalization of this critical industry”.
(marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb)