Popular tourist attraction, Hunte’s Gardens has entered a partnership with Jamaican nature adventure company, Chukka Caribbean Adventures Ltd., aimed at enhancing the garden’s appeal while preserving its botanical beauty. The improvements will also come with new jobs, officials say.
The partnership, which takes effect November 1, not only promises to elevate the visitor experience at the St Joseph-based site but also aims to provide increased employment opportunities and foster sustainable tourism practices.
During a press briefing held at Hunte’s Gardens on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Marc Melville explained, “The partnership that we’ve formed is not to move the garden in a different direction at all, but to enhance what’s already here, to preserve the beauty that’s already here, and to make sure that this location continues to be a marquee location in Barbados.”
Melville outlined plans for the garden’s upgrades which include a new welcome centre, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and additional tour experiences.
“We’re going to be looking at some enhancements for the property. One is that we’re looking at upgrading a nice welcome centre with a very pleasant, detailed welcome experience reception area,” he said, adding that the partnership will also take into consideration the production of a three-part docuseries about owner Anthony Hunte and his story of the property.
Chukka’s CEO confirmed that the garden’s aesthetic and unique botanical collection will be maintained, in addition to the personalised guest services and current intimate visitor experiences of the 40-year-old attraction.
Further emphasising the location’s reputation, Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ Local Country Manager, Geoffrey Roach noted its high status among visitors to the island, stating, “Hunte’s Gardens has received the Best of the Best Award from Tripadvisor for two years consecutively—the only one in Barbados.”
He continued, “At a macro level, we continue to hear that we’re increasing our visitor numbers, but of course, people aren’t coming here to do nothing. They need things to do, right? And even with the existing product that we have, it’s critical that we maintain and enhance that product. So that’s where we see ourselves taking Hunte’s Gardens—not, as Marc said, in a different direction, but enhancing it and expanding the offering.”
Hunte’s Gardens founder, owner and main tour guide, Anthony Hunte shared his excitement about the partnership and what it will bring to the gardens and Barbados.
Reflecting on the collaboration, he said: “I’m happy to work with Chukka. They’re passionate about keeping the spirit of Hunte’s Gardens alive and well. They understand that this place has soul, and they’re committed to preserving it. They’re not just coming in here to change things. They’re here to support and lift what we have already.”
The first phase of the garden’s upgrades is set to begin after the upcoming tourist season, while smaller updates, like electronic check-in systems and other back-office upgrades, will be introduced sooner.
Additionally, the project aims to increase employment at Hunte’s Gardens, with Melville noting, “I figure we’ll triple the employment here in a very short time…. [Hunte] was head cook and bottle washer, and we won’t be able to run the business like that, so there’ll be shifts, more accountants, IT people, and such.
“The gardens will remain open to the public throughout it all, so those of you who have been coming to Hunte’s Garden for years can expect the same beauty, ambience, and service that you’ve been having all this time.”
This partnership follows Chukka’s management takeover of another attraction, Harrison’s Cave, in 2020.
Melville stressed that the company’s management of Hunte’s Gardens is a continuation of one of the steps in the natural progression of Harrison’s Cave as a hub for the area, noting, “this was the original plan”.
(SM)
