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)

Tourism

BHTA APPOINTS NEW OPERATIONS MANAGER GREG BROOMES

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has appointed Greg Broomes as its Operations Manager.

Broomes, who will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s operational effectiveness and strategic initiatives, will also manage the human resources, finance, ICT and property management functions of the Association.

With over 11 years of experience across several sectors including international development, finance and audit, the Fellow Chartered and Certified Accountant and Project Management Professional explained that the strategic growth and sustainability of the BHTA and the broader tourism sector will be his main focus.

He said, “To achieve this I will concentrate on streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring the team is equipped to consistently deliver high-quality services to members and represent their interests with key stakeholders. Another priority will be to develop initiatives aimed at engaging and empowering youth within the tourism industry – by promoting career opportunities and offering educational programmes we aim to cultivate a pipeline of future industry leaders, not only within the industry, but as a part of the Association.

“I also envision expanding our Secretariat’s role as a data hub for firm-level data critical to advancing the sector. Building on our existing data collection efforts in areas such as disaster preparedness and occupancy trends, we will leverage this information for insightful research and informed decision-making.”

In his new role, Broomes, who holds a MBA in Financial Management from the London School of Business and Finance, will also serve as a key liaison with stakeholders; oversee the seamless implementation of events, initiatives and projects that benefit BHTA members and the industry as a whole, and also deputize for the CEO as needed, ensuring continuity in operations and strategic leadership.

“I am dedicated to advocating for the continual evolution of tourism products and experiences that showcase the unique offerings of Barbados. This will include supporting initiatives that enhance the business capacities and resilience of our membership, particularly in the face of the impacts of climate change.

“By fostering innovation and sustainability practices within our membership, while advocating for improvements in the legislative and policy environment that impact the membership’s ability to operate, we can ensure our members thrive while contributing to the overall economic prosperity of our country,” he noted.

CEO of the BHTA, Ryan Forde, in welcoming Broomes to the Association stated, “Greg was selected for all of the reasons that he mentioned but for so much more. There is a need for re-establishing a structure of operating procedures that stretch beyond the secretariat, but how the BHTA and its members operate in unison alongside the rest of the private and public sector, as the tourism industry is more important than just one entity.

“We will leverage and use his knowledge, skill set and experience as we aim to form stronger partnerships and activate stronger advocacy on behalf of our members and the industry from a data analysis and presentation perspective. His youthfulness yet level of expertise is a plus and it helps shore up a lot of the much-needed changes at the BHTA. We welcome Greg with open arms.” (PR)

Tourism

BIG PLANS TO CELEBRATE TOURISM WEEK 2024

“Tourism and Peace” UNWTO’s the theme

The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) announced that the celebration of World Tourism Day will be a week-long series of events and activities that will honour the invaluable contributions of the tourism sector to Barbados.

This year’s celebration will highlight the theme set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for World Tourism Day—“Tourism and Peace”—and will underscore the pivotal role tourism plays in fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and social harmony in Barbados.

During today’s press launch, Chief Product Development Officer, BTMI, Marsha Alleyne, emphasized the importance of the tourism sector, stating, “Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars to the development of our nation. It is our duty to recognize and celebrate the hardworking individuals who make this possible. Tourism Week 2024 is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation and to highlight the peace and prosperity that tourism brings to our island.”

Celebrating World Tourism Day

The centrepiece of Tourism Week will be the observance of World Tourism Day on Friday, September 27, 2024. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” underscores the vital role tourism plays as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures. As a destination that welcomes visitors from around the world, the BTMI understands that tourism can be a powerful force for peace, by bringing people together and creating a more connected and compassionate global community.

Key Events During Tourism Week 2024:

Church Service – Sunday, September 22, 2024: The week begins with a church service at Mount Zion United Holy Church from 8:15 a.m. This event will bring together tourism professionals from all faiths and backgrounds to express gratitude, reflect on their accomplishments, and foster a sense of community within the industry. The service will feature a message from the Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. G.P. Ian Gooding-Edghill, musical performances, and cultural presentations.
Tourism Megafest – Tuesday, September 24 to Wednesday, September 25, 2024: The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre will also host the Tourism Megafest, an immersive expo showcasing the rich cultural diversity, unique attractions, and hospitality of Barbados. The event will include exhibitions, interactive seminars, live performances, and a career showcase, providing valuable insights and opportunities for those interested in the tourism industry.
Restaurant Season – September 1 to October 31, 2024: This year’s Restaurant Season will run from September 1 to October 31, 2024, in support of Tourism Week and the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. Participating restaurants across the island will offer specials, discounts, and themed culinary events to showcase the diverse dining experiences available in Barbados.
Industry Specials – September 22 to September 28, 2024: Special discounts will be offered by accommodation venues, restaurants, and attractions for industry personnel and residents with valid national identification. These specials will include staycations, day passes, and dining offers, among others.
Strict Guardians of Our Heritage Charitable Event – Saturday, September 28, 2024: The tourism community will engage in a clean-up event to honour one of the island’s heritage assets, raising awareness about the importance of preserving these sites as part of Barbados’ competitive tourism strategy. The BTMI will be joining Dr. Carla Daniel, Director of the Barbados Sea Turtle Project at Drill Hall Beach. This is the largest turtle nesting area in Barbados that was affected by Hurricane Beryl. The organisation will be helping with the clean-up and we encourage persons to join us.
World Tourism Day Celebration – Friday, September 27, 2024: World Tourism Day will be marked with the Peli Can Island Community Pop-Up, held in association with the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. This event will be a large pop-up, inviting tourism workers, tourists, and locals to enjoy Bajan cuisine and traditional entertainment.

Alleyne continued to highlight the significance of Tourism Week, stating, “Tourism Week is not just a celebration; it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our tourism professionals. By recognizing their contributions and promoting our destination’s unique offerings, we strengthen the very foundation of our economy and culture. We invite everyone to participate in the festivities and join us in showcasing the best of Barbados to the world.” (PR)

Caption: (from left) Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Anderson Cumberbatch; Chief Product Development Officer, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Marsha Alleyne; and Tourism Liaison Officer, Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, Sade Deane.