Tourism fund initiative aims to raise $50K for schools futsal tournament

More than $50 000 is being targeted for Barbadian schools as organisers scale up a tourism-backed futsal tournament designed to deepen links between education, agriculture and national development.

The Adopt-A-School Futsal Tournament was highlighted by the chief executive of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Ryan Forde, during the association’s quarterly media briefing on Wednesday, where he outlined the role of the Tourism Fund in driving community-focused projects.

The futsal tournament and the Barbados National Culinary Programme sit under the Tourism Fund and are designed to use sport and education as key tools for youth engagement and social investment, Forde said. 

In its first year, the Adopt-A-School initiative raised just over $30 000, supporting schools with football nets for more than 30 primary schools, water tanks for two schools, 45 fans for primary and secondary schools, and multiple projectors for various institutions.

This year will mark the second instalment of the initiative, which will run from August 8 to 30.

“Our aim is to have 24 teams, with the goal of raising over $50 000 for Barbadian schools. We welcome companies to participate as a playing company or/and sponsor.”

Forde also pointed to the continued development of the national culinary programme, which he said remains central to strengthening the island’s culinary talent and positioning Barbados within the regional food tourism space.

“Barbados continues to be one of the key leaders in the culinary segment in the region and it is often said that the island is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, thanks to the vast number of culinary experiences on island and the great skillset that our chefs and bartenders continue to showcase.”

The association recently launched an on-road and social media activation campaign to encourage participation in the BHTA Local Culinary Competition, scheduled for June 16 and 17. 

Forde also pointed to the Tourism Fund as a central mechanism supporting several projects that strengthen linkages between tourism, agriculture, education and community development.

One such initiative, the Bajan Harvest Hub, is designed to improve access between farmers and the tourism industry through a centralised, digitally enabled system.

“This is a game changer for Barbados as we are always querying the data, the demand, the supply and the effects of the linkages between the two sectors. I wish to thank Greg and Sade for their great work on this project as it promotes inclusive economic opportunities for small farmers and businesses,” said the BHTA CEO.

He added that the initiative forms part of wider efforts to increase the use of produce within the tourism industry and strengthen agricultural linkages across the economy.

Forde also confirmed that the association will host the Gallagher BTMI BHTA 2026 Tourism Awards on 13 June at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle.

Barbados’ international profile was boosted following its participation at Travel & Adventure in Florida, which attracted more than 125 000 travel professionals.

“Team Barbados won the 2026 Best in Show – International award which recognises the destination’s strong presentation and market appeal. I wish to congratulate Seymour Bailey, from the BTMI USA’s team, for leading this charge alongside our very own Kemuel Burke and BHTA members in attendance. Congratulations to all of Barbados.”

The island has also secured hosting rights for the 45th CHTA Marketplace in May 2027, following discussions at the recent regional event in Antigua. The event is expected to bring hundreds of travel professionals to Barbados and further strengthen regional partnerships while supporting wider economic activity.

(LG)