Tourism

Direct Airlift Between Barbados & Africa Vital For Trade

The Caribbean and Africa possess complementary strengths in various sectors, making them natural trading partners. And, for successful trading and the enhancement of ties to occur, there needs to be direct airlift connectivity.

This is the view of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Senior Minister Coordinating the Productive Sector, Kerrie Symmonds, who added that the airlift must be cost-effective to generate substantial interest.

Mr. Symmonds stated this while speaking virtually at the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries’ (BCSI) business forum panel discussion on Airlinking Prosperity: Bridging Trade and Services in The Caribbean and African Region.

He noted that, to date, Barbados had signed air services agreements with Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda and is in the process of discussing how to actualise the airlift.

“But an air service agreement is not something you can fly on. Therefore, you need to have, obviously, the airline. But before the airline can leave the ground, there has to be some economic framework, some substance that allows for this effort to make sense, otherwise you will have … a collapse,” the Minister explained.

He stressed that direct airlift between Barbados and Africa would be expensive and subsidising seats was not the ideal way. He proposed that to get started, the region should consider chartered flights; the use of technology as a tool for interconnectivity and trade, while promoting what each destination has to offer in business, services, culture, and leisure.

“There is, in my judgment, tremendous mutual interests on both sides of the Atlantic, Africa and in the Caribbean in building this bridge … and there are some things which are within our grasp immediately.

“Broadcasting can be done. Promotion of film and of our music helps us to build that cultural familiarity and an understanding of each other in a much better way, and I think we should go full blast on that, while even as we work then to put the nuts and bolts together on the more heavy lifting, which is really what the air services would require,” Minister Symmonds stated.

Also participating in the panel discussion were Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association, Dr. Trisha Tannis; Director of Finance and Resource Management, of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Neil Walters; and Associate, Afreximbank, Victor Mukete.

The overall consensus was that the two regions, though geographically separated, share historical, cultural, and economic ties that could present vast potential for economic growth and development in the face of rising costs across the world; and direct airlift along with technology is key.

They proposed for future trading and tourism to occur successfully, there must be public-private partnerships to foster trade and services; entrepreneurs need to be less “risk-averse” and open to exporting their products and services beyond the region; increase the use of technology and digital platforms, for example, fintech, blockchain, a regional virtual marketplace, and multi-destination tourism.

In addition, they also suggested tapping into investment and technical assistance available, for example Afreximbank, and for CARICOM to come together and address barriers to trade and standardisation issues, which would assist with getting accredited and having the requisite standards for trading internationally. (PR/GIS)

Tourism

Tourism Megafest Expo Highlights Industry Stakeholders

As part of the activities for Tourism Week, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) hosted a Tourism Megafest Expo yesterday at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, aimed at highlighting industry stakeholders.

The Expo got under way with exhibitors participating in an on-site live location shoot of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s Mornin’ Barbados programme.

BTMI’s Chief Product Development Officer, Marsha Alleyne, said the expo was geared towards showcasing stakeholders in the industry, career opportunities, and the importance of tourism to the local economy.

“We know that tourism is an inclusive industry, and we wanted to ensure that we were able to showcase every single facet of our industry, and not just showcase but also let the world see where there are opportunities for them from a career perspective, and also from an entrepreneurial perspective as well,” Ms. Alleyne explained.

Booths on display included those from The University of the West Indies, Marriott International, Executive Air, the Grantley Adams International Airport, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, the Barbados Port Inc., WIBISCO, CARMETA’s, Gabcey, and Guest Hub. There were also cooking demonstrations and mixologists preparing mocktails, and entertainment from reigning calypso monarch Adrian Clarke, and TC, among other artistes.

The remaining activities for Tourism Week, which is being held under the theme “Tourism and Peace”, include a community pop-up, in collaboration with the Barbados Food and Rum Festival at Pelican Island on Friday, September 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The week culminates on Saturday, September 28, with a clean-up at the Drill Hall Beach, The Garrison, St. Michael.

The public is encouraged to come out and participate in the remaining events. During this week of activities, locals with their national identification cards have the opportunity to enjoy special discounts on staycations, restaurants, and attractions. (PR/GIS)

Tourism

BHTA Internship Programme a hit with UWI Students

THE Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) annual Internship Programme has received high praise from University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) students.

Ronesha Williams and Chelsea Devonish, pursuing Hospitality and Tourism Management and International Tourism Management Bachelor’s Degrees respectively, both participated in this year’s internship programme and referred to it as, “eye opening and amazing.”

Williams stated, “I chose tourism because it allows me to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, which I find incredibly enriching. What started as a way to make ends meet at the age of 17 quickly grew into a passion for creating memorable experiences and delivering excellent customer service. I thrive in the dynamic environment of tourism, where making connections and leaving lasting impressions is key to sustainable business in tourism.

“My internship at the BHTA has been one of the most incredible experiences in my career to date, providing me with hands-on exposure to the groundwork that is necessary to make this industry successful. I assisted with various projects, applying theories from my coursework at UWI in areas such as data collection, budgeting, and event planning. Additionally, I gained valuable skills in site inspection and sponsorship management. Throughout my internship, I also attended first aid training, a hurricane preparedness seminar and quality customer service training, all of which have further equipped me for my future endeavours in tourism.

Devonish, who explained that she always had a love for the industry, echoed similar sentiments, “This experience was wonderful. The BHTA team treated us like family and allowed us to work on projects along with them, rather than just observing how things are done. I was able to assist with planning and also participate in meetings, seminars and events covering a wide range of areas. From producing e-flyers and distributing information to members, to attending seminars and site-visits as well as meetings with emergency personnel including the Barbados Police Force.

“I was aware of the BHTA before but never realised the wide range of work and activity that the Association is responsible for. There are numerous meetings with members and different stakeholders, just as many activities and events to plan and execute as well as the advocacy and programmes focusing on health and safety, training and the like. It is much more than I ever imagined. My studies focus on International approaches to tourism and this internship has definitely exposed me to how many of these methods are being utilised on a daily basis by the BHTA and its members.”

BHTA CEO, Ryan Forde stated, “Every year we host two UWI Students as interns and every year we marvel at their different backgrounds and perspectives on the industry. This year, we had the pleasure of hosting and teaching Ronesha and Chelsea various aspects of the industry and from a different point of view. We may be a Secretariat for our membership, but the day-to-day work is much more than just that.

“Both ladies were able to experience an International Tournament (ICC World Cup) from the role the BHTA plays, experience hurricane preparations and post hurricane reporting, advocacy on behalf of our membership, marketing for new members and initiatives, proposal review sessions as well as work on numerous projects that the BHTA is undertaking and, of course, numerous site visits to understand the Tourism Product of Barbados.”

Forde added that the skillset the two were able to add to the Secretariat was needed this summer. He said, “Their energy and ‘can do, will do, may I participate’ attitude is exactly what the industry needs more of, and they were rewarded for it. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Trustees, the Secretariat and our Members we wish to thank both young ladies for their efforts and assistance this summer and we foresee that this will not be the last that we hear of these two names, as they have a lot of promise to offer the destination for years to come.” (PR)

Tourism

Winair Adds Barbados To Its Caribbean Flight Network

Winair is pleased to announce the launch of direct flights to and from Barbados, a popular destination for business and leisure travellers alike.

Starting November 15, 2024, Winair will operate six flights a week between St. Maarten and Barbados, utilising their ATR-42 aircraft. In addition, Winair will also provide direct flights from Barbados to St. Lucia twice weekly, Martinique twice weekly and Dominica three times weekly.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrea Franklin, speaking on the new airlift into Barbados, said: “I am delighted to welcome Winair’s new direct flights to Barbados, which significantly enhance our connectivity within the Caribbean. This development not only makes Barbados more accessible to our Caribbean neighbours including the French West Indies to our island, fostering greater cultural and economic exchanges.

These routes position Barbados as a pivotal hub for travellers and align perfectly with our goals of boosting regional tourism and strengthening ties with our Caribbean partners. The increased connectivity will have a positive impact on both business and leisure travel, further solidifying Barbados as a premier destination in the region.”

CEO of Winair, Hans van de Velde, noted that: “Winair is growing its Caribbean network with the addition of these new routes. We now offer 16 destinations and 40 routes, providing better connectivity throughout the region. Whether you’re a local resident or an international traveller, Winair offers a seamless and convenient journey. Our partnerships with global airlines like British Airways, Air France, KLM, and JetBlue further enhance our reach to Europe and North America, making it easier than ever to explore the Caribbean’s diverse beauty.”

He added: “Winair is proud to be the trusted and reliable airline in the Caribbean region, with a 63-year long history of providing a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.” The airline has a growing fleet of three ATR42-500 and five) Twin Otters.

“Winair looks confidently forward to this upcoming winter season. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is steadfast, and we are committed to pushing innovation, continuously improving, and growing our services.

To celebrate the launch of these exciting new routes, Winair is offering special introductory fares for a limited time for travel dates between November 15 and December 15, 2024. (PR)