Most hoteliers blanking tourism fund – BHTA

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) says the majority of hotels are not contributing to a crucial tourism fund, despite it being a requirement of membership.

Speaking at the association’s third quarterly general meeting at Stade’s Rum Visitors Centre in Brighton on Friday, BHTA Chairman Javon Griffith revealed that participation in the fund, established in 2003 to bolster tourism-related initiatives, has plummeted to a mere 26 per cent of hotel members.

“This is despite participation in the fund being a requirement of hotel membership via our articles of association. I cannot stress enough that this fund benefits the entire membership, but it’s being supported by a minority of hotel members,” Griffith said. “This situation is fundamentally wrong, and something which we will address over the coming weeks.”

The fund has historically financed various projects, including the restoration of the Holetown bridge, improvements to the Garrison Historic Area, and support for COVID-19 facilities. Contributions are primarily collected through a voluntary charge on hotel guests’ bills at checkout.

Griffith illustrated the potential impact of wider participation, stating that a 75-room hotel with typical seasonal occupancy could generate $59 000 annually for the fund, based on a US$2 ($4) per night contribution.

“I wish to see this fund grow to a level where the BHTA can make an even more significant contribution towards the tourism industry in collaboration with our partners at the BTMI,” he said, urging non-contributing members to contact the secretariat for information. (SB)