Lured by Bajans

Returning visitors, some completing more than 100 visits, admit they are drawn back by local people  

By Brittany Brewster 

The people of Barbados continue to be the reason visitors to the island keep coming back.

On Friday, 11 “loyal visitors” who have made the trip to the island over 25 times were recognised for their numerous visits to Barbados during a reception at the official residence of the Prime Minister. Many of them credited the “warmth of the people” for drawing them back time after time.

Among those celebrated were Peter Twitchett, Andrew Cundell and Eleanor Small who marked 100 or more visits here.

However, Eleanor’s ties to the island run even deeper, since she was born in Barbados. 

Though she admitted that she has experienced some tragedy on the island, some of her greatest memories were also made here and it’s because of this that she visits the island three to five times each year.

“I’ve been coming to Barbados since 1971 and one of the reasons I travel so much is because my late husband worked for British Airways and because of that I was able to bring my children three times per year,” Small said.

Sadly it was during one of her visits to the island that the teacher lost her husband in a car accident, one day after the funeral of her mother-in-law.

Nonetheless, it was in Barbados that she found love once again through a friend she introduced to the island and who went on to purchase timeshare at South Beach.

After visiting the island over 150 times Eleanor said she views it as a second home and would encourage anyone to pay a visit.

“Barbados is just beautiful. As I always tell people, Barbados is officially Little England. The people are friendly and it is one of the safest places I’ve ever been to,” she said.

Also speaking on the sidelines of the “Loyal Visitors and Friends of Barbados” reception at Ilaro Court, Polly Gould, who has visited the island 40 times, said that with every visit she meets new people and they keep her coming back.

“The warmth of the locals, the island and the love of the island just get under your skin,” she admitted.

Gould was so inspired by the destination, she created an online travel business dedicated to “selling Barbados” to the masses and she seeks out every opportunity to encourage people to visit.

“I love everything. From the top at Little Good Harbour (St Peter) to the stores and bars on the south coast, it’s absolutely everything. After visiting for so many years I’ve made a lot of friends. I even have more friends here than I do at home,” she added. 

Kenneth Woodcock, who made over 50 visits to Barbados with his wife Gillian, shared similar sentiments stating that every time he and his wife came they got the true Barbados experience. 

“The people keep me coming back. We know more people here than we know at home in Lytham, England so it never feels like we’re on holiday,” he said.

Since his first visit with his wife in the early 80s Woodcock has visited the island at least once each year, but some years he has made as many as three trips. In that time they have developed a love for Barbadian culture especially for the local rumshops in The City.

“We just have different people we have a beer with and we drink beer in places some Bajans won’t even go like in Marhill Street, Baxter’s Road, Bayland, Nelson Street and Vincytown.

“We spend most of our time in Marhill Street and we have made lots and lots of friends down there so we look forward to seeing them every time we come,” he added.

Also recognised were Nikki Vassall with 64 visits, Lindsay Bennet, 60;  Phillip and Shan Martin, 38 visits, and Cathy Phillips, who has visited more than 35 times.

In his welcome address, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, said that based on the stories shared by the repeat visitors, he believes Barbados is doing tourism correctly.

“Each of you continues to play an important role in telling the authentic story of destination Barbados to your friends, families and work colleagues. Over the years many of our loyal visitors have contributed to the growth of Barbados’ economy through the purchasing of property and job creation. They have also been instrumental in community-building by active participation in programmes like ‘Pack for a Purpose’, where they bring in essential items to assist with community-based projects,” he said.

Gooding-Edghill also thanked the visitors and said it was because of them and the locals that the island’s tourism industry continued to be in high demand.

“We thank you for your contributions and encourage you to continue to get involved in community activities. Our people are a key part of our visitors choosing Barbados as their second home and for that, I say thank you to each and every Barbadian,” he said.

The tourism minister also said that new attractions, hotels and other initiatives are in the works for Barbados as the island seeks to capitalise on every opportunity to boost its tourism industry.

The ‘Loyal Visitors’ were welcomed by students from the Grazettes Primary and Ellerslie Secondary Schools, Junior Minister of Tourism, Josiah Grannum, stilt walkers, market ladies and a tuk band.

The night also featured performances by the Ziggy Walcott Band, the children’s arm of Dancin’ Africa, and local ‘songbird’ Nikita.

brittanybrewster@barbadostoday.bb ]]>