Tourism Minister: Attractions must adjust and adapt

Businesses in the tourism sector are being encouraged to accept that change is inevitable and that they must adapt and revamp product offerings from time to time.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill gave the advice while commending Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd at the unveiling of the company’s additional tours at the Visitor Centre in Brandons, St. Michael on Wednesday.

“It is always reassuring when new product offerings are brought to market, not only to upgrade and expand a tourist attraction but to also enhance the Barbados visitor experience. After all, we must ensure that as a destination, Barbados remains top-of-mind in order to survive in this competitive tourism industry,” he said.

Gooding-Eghill told the management of Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd. that he was pleased that they recognised the importance of becoming more competitive in this globally competitive environment, and had the foresight to develop new product offerings in order to stay relevant, especially since the sector is trying to reposition itself from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further acknowledging the company’s contribution, he said: “Undoubtedly, these new product offerings by Mount Gay Distilleries will certainly help to revitalise the national tourism offerings and increase our visitor spend as visitors experience the Visitor Centre and make full use of it.”

Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd. Client Experience Manager Miguel Smith, speaking about the Visitor Centre and the new experiences, said the attraction is an education site offering in-depth insights, history and tastings of the company’s offerings.

On November 1, two additions were introduced – a sweet and savoury premium rum pairing, which delves into hard-to-find rare Mount Gay rums paired with chocolates and cheese, and a bespoke cocktail workshop led by in-house award-winning mixologist Ryan Adamson.

Smith noted that the new tours are additions to the guided distillery tours which have moved from being on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to becoming daily, except Sundays. Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd., Antoine Couvreur, urged both visitors and locals to “come and see what we have to offer and learn more about the island’s rich history and its oldest rum, in a fun and interactive format”. (BT/BGIS)