Globe Drive-In to join BHTA, develop tourism offerings, give entrepreneurs a space 

The Globe Drive-In is undergoing a major partnership with the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) in an effort to evolve its offerings and operations.

This disclosure was made on Thursday night by managing director of the Adams Castle, Christ Church business, Scheval Ali during the reopening of the facility following renovations.

Ali said the company was in the process of joining the BHTA to broaden its prospects and further its development.

“We are in the process of joining it . . . . The Drive-In can also be a venue where tourists can come and experience. I think that this is something where we won’t have to depend solely on local viewing; we can depend on foreigners coming to the island. Being that it is – based on my research – the only [operational] drive-in in the Caribbean, possibly one of the one or two left in the world . . . I think we will have a niche market here,” he said.

The businessman added that the potential for growth in the tourism industry was strong and if all goes according to plan, it will also allow the business to create more job opportunities.

“As we expand on the market, especially if we cater to tourists, I think we will need more hands on deck. We will have to up our service and offer a package where tourists could pay to view the movie and also for a meal. We may also have to do some more renovations on the front lawn so the tour buses could drop them off there and they could be seated there comfortably,” he added.

Ali said the Globe Drive-In, which currently has about 12 staffers, has a rich history and has played a central role in the entertainment industry in Barbados. On this premise, he said the company had a solid claim to the tourism industry, especially in the area of culture and historical tourism.

The managing director added that the family business was also looking to engage more with the community and create an entrepreneurial space for small businesses.

For the first time, the Drive-In will be hosting a market day where about 100 vendors have been invited to set up and ply their trade for a small fee. Ali said the company would “try at it” to make it a monthly feature.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the popularity of streaming sites on the Internet had a devastating impact on the business, but the new prospects would set it on a great trajectory of growth.

During a pre-recorded address, chief executive officer of the BHTA Ryan Forde said, “This is an important milestone for us to include such an experience”.

“It almost fits right into being part of rural tourism, amongst the community. Families know they can go there, take the young ones, pull out a chair and watch [a movie] outside of the car,” he said, adding that there was a plethora of activities happening in Barbados that could also be combined with a movie experience.

He said that as it relates to film, the Drive-In had a long history and it was interesting to see how the business transformed its operations and maintained its relevance while keeping aspects of its traditional functionality.

Noting that several family-oriented events, concerts and charity events were held at the location, Forde said the possibilities for expansion were limitless.

During his speech, Senator John King suggested that because of the Drive-In’s rich history, venue space, and type of business, the management should consider developing a space for creatives in the orange economy.

He said that a partnership should be formed to allow local and regional film procedures an opportunity to showcase their work on a large scale.

Senator King said it would give the practitioners confidence that when they produced their films, they would be seen.

“I also believe that the Barbados Film Festival could use this space . . . . With the grand opening and all the upgrades, I think that they should find some space within the festival time to bring people to this point,” he said.

As it relates to the renovations of the property, Ali said $200 000 to $250 000 was spent to upgrade the bathrooms, projector screen, restaurant and lobby, add more lighting and signage, improve the company’s digital platforms, and fix the roadway leading to the business.

The renovations lasted about five weeks but due to constant downpours, there were delays in repairing the road.

A new discount programme is being introduced, under which patrons could earn points as they purchase food from the restaurant.

After the ceremony, the Drive-In officially opened to the public at 8 p.m. with the viewing of a much-anticipated film, The Marvels.

The Globe Drive-In opened on November 13, 1981. It was previously named the Sun Down Drive-In.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb