by Marlon Madden
Barbados is known as one of the most ideal tourist destinations for many around the world. However, most people taking a trip to the Eastern Caribbean island traditionally do so during the winter months in an effort to escape the cold.
With this in mind, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the organisation tasked with the marketing of the destination, has been ramping up efforts over the last few years to woo more visitors to the island during the slower summer months, which run from around June to September.
This year, a major part of the Summer Savings campaign includes the introduction of five giant postcards, which are designed to encourage residents and visitors to take photos at notable locations, leave their signature and share their most memorable moment on the island. By sharing their stories, officials are hoping this will entice others to visit the country.
Recently, the BTMI, joined by several local social media influencers, media professionals, hotel representatives, officials from the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and other stakeholders, unveiled the giant postcards.
The postcards are located at the recently opened Golden Square Freedom Park in Bridgetown, the Chattel Village in Holetown, St James; Bathsheba, St Joseph; the Grantley Adams International Airport and the Hastings Boardwalk in Christ Church.
Upon reaching each location, the group was met with music and short performances that depict various aspects of the island’s heritage and culture, including the popular summer Crop Over Festival, the first English settlers in Holetown, which was originally known as Jamestown, and the tuk band, accompanied by the colourful Shaggy Bears and a green monkey. The summer promotion is being done under the slogan Tourism Forward.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins said she was satisfied the island has a lot of stories that both locals and tourists can share that would help to encourage more people to visit the island during the summer months. She encouraged Barbadians to seek out the giant postcards and share their stories on the story board.
“It is a small island but from across the country in every different location there is a story to tell about Barbados – Holetown distinct from Golden Square distinct from the [other] locations, and the country as distinct from The City – So all of those things are what we want to be able to share,” she said.
“Go and experience where the postcards are, take your family on a treasure hunt and experience these postcards and then tell the story of Barbados to your children and families and share it on social media,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of the BTMI Jen Thraenhart said sharing the good memories was important “because what inspires people by the destination are these unique stories that are told by the people; by the residents or by the traveller.”
“What is unique are the experiences people can have beyond the beach, the sand and sea. What really inspire people are these unique stories told by real people about memories, moments and secrets, and that’s what our campaign is all about,” said Thraenhart.
During the unveiling, a number of locals and visitors were on hand to share their fondest memories of the various locations, and leave a signature. One couple who has been visiting the island for the past 24 years, were at the picturesque Bathsheba location where they shared their story.
Matt and Karen ‘Kaz’ Keay did not only fell in love with each other back then. They also fell in love with Barbados when they first visited in 1996. By 1998 they were back on the island where they got engaged, and two years later they were back for their wedding, which was held at the then Fathoms Restaurant in Paynes Bay.
Recalling that they first spent time in Sunset Crest on the west coast, Kaz said “we stayed their twice and then we stayed at a place called Inn on the Beach, and that is where we got engaged”. “We always try and come back every year,” said Kaz, who admitted that they missed a few years. The couple, who are visiting from Staffordshire in England, said this was their 19th trip to the island and they considered it their second home.
They told Barbados TODAY some of their fondest memories and what kept them coming back were the friendliness of the people, the authentic Barbadian food, the ease of getting around the island and the lovely beaches.
“We love Speightstown and the Heywoods beach. We love the roti, we love breadfruit, coconuts and the burgers. We love everything really,” she said, while pointing out that they knew how to travel economically. Kaz said while they usually visit the island during the months of May and November, they were not opposed to coming during the summer months.
While on island, they do a lot of tours and sightseeing, as well as spend time on the beach during their usual two-week trip. The couple, who had to postpone their vacation about three times over the past two years, said while they have visited a number of other islands “Barbados is the best”.
“We feel like we need to explore other places, but we just keep coming back here really. It is the best,” said Kaz.
marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb
