The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) believes that Government’s recent decision to ease restrictions on travel and weddings will make the country a more attractive destination.
In a press release issued by chief executive officer Rudy Grant, the BHTA said with the Crop Over Festival also slated to be held it would help attract visitors to the island which is on course to resume several activities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Saturday, Minister of Tourism Lisa Cummins announced that visitors to the island would only require a rapid antigen test taken within one day of arrival in the island.
“The BHTA welcomes the recent changes to the COVID-19 protocols which facilitate the easing of some restrictions. We believe this will play a major role in attracting visitors to the island over the coming months and into the summer.
“We fully support the updates to the border entry requirements. Many of our visitors and tour operator partners have been commenting on the existence of easier entry protocols in our competitive destinations. So this now brings us more in line with what is happening in the region,” Grant said in a press release issued today.
“We expect that the introduction of the rapid antigen test, in conjunction with the removal of the processing of passengers at gates 14 to 16 at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), will assist to relieve congestion and allow for easier processing of passengers. These adjustments will allow us to remain competitive, without compromising the health and safety of locals and visitors.”
Grant said the relaxation of restrictions for weddings would positively impact the Direct Tourism Services (DTS).
He also suggested that the Crop Over Festival, Barbados’ first since 2019, would still attract thousands of visitors.
“The easing of the restrictions on events such as weddings is another positive for the tourism industry. It will give our DTS members the opportunity to get back to full operation, while adding to the attractiveness of our offering as a destination. This will be beneficial especially for the summer period.
“Crop-Over’s return will also be another appealing factor for the summer. These types of events assist in boosting our arrivals so we are confident that this will occur this year with the reintroduction of the Crop-Over festival,” Grant pointed out.
“After two years of restrictions, curfews and lockdowns, many travellers are looking forward to participating in events and activities in a safe and secure environment as part of their holiday. The same applies for sporting events, which as a niche, have also traditionally been appealing to some of our visitors.”
The BHTA urged Barbadians and visitors alike to adhere to the protocols as they engaged in the many activities being offered. (RB)
