A delegation led by the Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Shelly Williams travelled to the Cayman Islands last week to officially launch the new scheduled service with Cayman Airways Ltd.
The new service will begin on October 18, just in time for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, which will be held from October 19-22. This service augurs well for destination Barbados as it is anticipated to capture more business from the Northern Caribbean.
The celebration was held in Grand Cayman with a special Barbados Food and Rum Festival activation where Caymanians got a taste of the eagerly anticipated Festival. In attendance along with Williams were: Director of Caribbean and Latin America, Corey Garrett; Honorary Consul to Barbados, Juliette Gooding; Acting Governor, H.E. Franz Manderson; Minister of Tourism, Cayman Islands, Hon. Kenneth Bryan; Chief Policy and PR, Ministry of Tourism and Ports, Gina Matthews; and Director, Cayman Islands Dept. of Tourism, Rosa Harris.
A Barbados Food and Rum Festival activation took place during the launch.
“This is a remarkable occasion as we celebrate the fusion of two islands, Barbados and the Cayman Islands. Tonight, we come together not only to indulge in the rich flavours of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival but also to commemorate a significant milestone- the launch of our new flight partnership with Cayman Airways,” said Williams.
A few patrons as they enjoyed the festivities.
“This event is a testament to our commitment to engage with the diaspora and provide them with a taste of home, right here in the Cayman Islands. Tonight, we bridge the gap, creating a piece of Barbados in the Cayman Islands.”
The Cayman Islands has a vibrant Barbadian population and this service opens up the opportunity for the diaspora to travel home.
“The diaspora represents the deep-rooted bonds we share, regardless of where life may have taken us. Barbadians and Caymanians abroad carry the spirit of our islands with them, and it is our duty to nurture this connection,” said Williams.
She further noted that this new service was more than just tourism but was a way for the two communities to build lasting relationships; economic growth; cultural exchange; shared prosperity; and strengthen our bonds.
“As we open the doors to more travellers from the Cayman Islands, we also open the doors to new opportunities for our people, our businesses, and our economies. So, let us toast to a new era of partnership, friendship, and prosperity between Barbados and the Cayman Islands. May this direct service and the bonds we create tonight be a symbol of our enduring commitment to each other,” the BTMI chairman said. (PR)
