MegaFest to highlight Tourism Week

The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) has announced an exciting lineup of events for Tourism Week 2024, highlighting the sector’s contribution to global understanding and economic growth.

The September 22 to 28 events, which aim to honour the vital contributions of tourism workers, coincide with World Tourism Day and adopt the theme, Tourism and Peace – 30 Years of Connecting People to Places and Cultures.

Marsha Alleyne, the chief product development officer, revealed that the marquee event for the week will be the Tourism MegaFest, a large showcase of Barbados’ diverse tourism offerings, including transportation and hospitality. 

“Tourism MegaFest is an exaggerated expo where it’s not just about careers in the tourism industry, but it’s more about an exhibition where we are showcasing from wine to iodine as it relates to tourism,” Alleyne told the media launch for the week of activities at the BTMI’s offices in Warrens on Friday.

The expo on September 24 and 25 will feature demonstrations from hoteliers on bed-making and napkin folding, with audience participation and prize giveaways. School-aged children are encouraged to attend on September 24 to learn about careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in the tourism industry.

In a nod to technological advancements, the MegaFest will feature a virtual reality section, allowing attendees to experience popular attractions like Harrison’s Cave without leaving the venue, an innovative approach that underscores the industry’s adaptability in an increasingly digital world.

The week’s celebrations will kick off with a church service at Mount Zion United Holy Church on September 22 and include a community pop-up at Pelican Village on September 27, in association with the Food and Rum Festival team. (SB)