Air Peace route opens new economic opportunities for Barbados, says UWI economist

A new direct air link between Africa’s most populous nation Nigeria and Barbados could unlock fresh tourism revenue, expand trade and deepen cultural ties, a University of the West Indies economist has said, as the island moves to diversify its international markets.

Speaking in the wake of the first official flight by Nigerian carrier Air Peace into Barbados at the weekend, Alleyne said the new route opens the door for increased economic activity between the island and West Africa.

“There are positives – I like to use the word potential – for both the tourism and the trade sector,” he said.

Alleyne pointed to Nigeria’s large population and growing affluent class as a key opportunity for Barbados’s tourism industry, particularly in attracting higher-spending visitors and business travellers.

“We now have Nigeria, which is a much larger economy with a larger population in the millions, and they do have a more affluent, middle to high class type sector who will be likely coming to Barbados,” he said. “High value tourists essentially could possibly increase…the high value business persons will be traveling to Barbados because that’s a long distance.”

Beyond tourism, Alleyne said the new connection could create meaningful opportunities for trade and cultural exchange. While sectors such as rum and spirits are obvious areas for export growth, he argued that Barbados’s creative industries could also benefit from stronger links with African markets.

“In terms of trade another thing we need to look out for is the cultural exchange that is likely to take place,” he said, noting Africa’s “very dominant culture”.

“That gives us an opportunity to export our culture into their region,” he added, while also acknowledging that African cultural influence would likely have an impact on Barbados as ties deepen.

“I think for the cultural and the creative industries we have here to mix more so with African nations and probably do collaborations and different things in terms of sound, fashion.”

Alleyne also supported comments by high commissioner to Nigeria Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland that Barbados could position itself as a regional hub for travel between West Africa and the Caribbean.

“She indicated that Barbados could be a possible hub for other West African nations going into other Caribbean nations, which is a very good thing for us,” he said. “So even if it is the pass through, we will still see some revenue or some benefits in that respect.”

Air Peace’s planned twice-monthly service operates from Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city,  to Barbados before continuing on to Antigua, with the return leg departing the following day. The route is scheduled to operate from May to September, with officials expressing hope that a weekly flight arrangement can become a reality in short order.

According to Alleyne, the new flights align with government efforts to diversify Barbados’s tourism source markets and strengthen relationships with Africa.

“Barbados is looking to really explore the potential of offerings from the African continent,” he said. “I see that as a plus for the government who is living up to its word in terms of expanding source markets.”

The economist acknowledged, however, that trade between Barbados and the 54-nation African continent has historically been low.

“Trade has been abysmal point blank between Africa and Barbados thus far,” Alleyne said, adding however the new route now provides “a physical conduit for trade to take place”.

He suggested that easier travel would allow business people on both sides to explore opportunities, build relationships and identify areas for collaboration.

“Africa has a lot of resources that Barbados doesn’t have, but we do have intellectual capacity which…we can offer services and so on,” he said.

While he does not expect immediate results, Alleyne believes the long-term outlook is promising.

“I’m expecting that we should be able to see some exports increase, whether it is product or services over time,” he said. “I don’t see it immediately happening…maybe in a year or two when things become a little more.”

 

(SB)