Wealthy people from the Persian Gulf states could be landing here soon if the deal for the public-private partnership (PPP) to run the Grantley Adams International Airport goes through, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill has declared.
In a speech to the annual general meeting of the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) on Wednesday at the Radisson Aquatica Resort in Aquatic Gap, he said the PPP would set off major improvements in the airport’s operations, leading to the strong possibility of rich entrepreneurs wanting to do business here.
He told the meeting: “It is necessary that we systematically set about exploring new and emerging markets around the globe. Our commitment is to diversify and tap into emerging markets. The ministry team has also been networking with industry executives and players in the Persian Gulf States and Latin America to attract high-net-worth individuals to the island. Therefore, Barbados has signed a Memorandum of Understanding and an Air Services Agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Further, we are actively seeking opportunities in the Asian market.”
Among the eight nations in the oil-rich Persian Gulf are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Last July, the airport signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, a young member of Dubai’s ruling royal family, and Agencias Universales S.A. a Chilean logistics company for the PPP arrangement. The Emirati sheikh owns a conglomerate that develops, invests, co-owns, and operates several power plants and infrastructure projects mainly in Africa and the Middle East.
Last month, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the $300 million deal would pave the way for airport development, including the creation of a hemispheric hub for cargo and expanded airlift, noting that she hoped the negotiations would conclude by the end of this month.
Gooding-Edghill said there had been several improvements at the airport including the immigration processes and baggage handling, adding that he was pleased with the progress and expected even more improvements when the PPP took shape.
“When the PPP arrangement is concluded with the Grantley Adams International Airport, we will see a more improved airport,” he declared.
The minister also praised the TDC, the non-profit marketing and product development organisation funded by the tourism private sector, for its “impressive” service to the nation.
“Despite its institutional modesty, the TDC deserves to be publicly acknowledged and celebrated for the impressive and effective way in which it has consistently fulfilled its mandate of contributing to the betterment of the environmental, social and economic well-being of Barbados and its citizens and residents,” he said.
“So striking and significant is your impressive track record that has been accumulated virtually under the public radar. That is because your organisation’s culture has never sought the glare of the perpetual publicity and self-promotion that so many others seem to crave. Recognising that the tangible benefits derived from our collaborations are essential, the TDC has been an unwavering supporter of projects aimed at enhancing the country’s tourism product.”
In his report, TDC chairman Mark Trotman said the organisation was able to partner with other key tourism figures to implement some critical projects for the development of the tourism industry.
But he said that there has been a decline in membership fees over the past year which has put some strain on the tourism body and the organisation was exploring new avenues to gain financial support.
The TDC has engaged the services of a social media specialist to help the corporation engage with a wider audience and foster a stronger connection with its stakeholders to bolster its outreach programme.
(SZB)
