BHTA welcomes planned regional ferry as possible tourism game-changer

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has welcomed plans for an affordable regional ferry service, calling it a potential game-changer for Caribbean tourism, trade and economic integration.

The proposal, discussed at the recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica, aims to enhance connectivity between member states, including Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds highlighted the initiative as a priority, sparking optimism among industry leaders.

It has even been suggested that ferry tickets could cost less than US$100.

“From a BHTA perspective as well as from persons just naturally practising business in general and not just tourism, it’s exciting times to see more transportation options coming on stream,” said BHTA CEO Ryan Forde in an interview with Barbados TODAY.

“Obviously, when we actually see it happen, that’s when the real celebrations will come, because it’s a discussion and planning that has been going on for ages. But we’re hopeful that we will actually see it this time.”

Forde emphasised the ferry’s potential to boost not just leisure travel but regional commerce, enabling the movement of goods, supplies and people at lower costs.

“Obviously it’s going to transit produce, supplies, items to build with, and then also allow for persons to export as well,” he said. “The big factor, too, is human bodies, because you might not be able to get all of your goods in one day, which means you will need a place to stay overnight.”

The service could also unlock new opportunities for short getaways, he noted.

“Some might take it as a weekend… come in on Friday, spend the weekend, enjoy the island, and then collect everything Monday and go back onto the ferry.”

With air travel often prohibitively expensive for families, Forde believes affordable ferry options could reshape regional tourism.

“Airline ticket prices, sometimes they could go up too high for a family of four or three or whatever,” he noted. “But if you have a ferry service that is more affordable, [this] means you get to spend more on the ground in terms of culinary experiences and attractions.”

The BHTA CEO also pointed to growing demand for multi-island trips among post-pandemic travellers. “They want to see and do more,” he said. “What you get in Barbados is different from what you get in Dominica or Jamaica. They’re looking for a double-dip experience—visiting two or three islands in one go.”

Barbados, Forde added, remains a strong regional draw, with its culinary scene, eco-tourism offerings, and new attractions: “We’re a strong culinary destination, back-to-back champions in regional competitions. But every year there’s something new: new restaurants, new bars, water sports, and family-friendly experiences.”

The island’s expanded hiking trails–particularly on the East Coast, Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park, Walker’s Reserve, Cocoa Hill Forest and other nature-based attractions—further enhance its appeal, Forde said, particularly with more affordable travel on the horizon.

“There’s a lot more activity now that will make it more interesting for regional travel,” he said.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb