Tourism

American Airlines New York Service Returns To Barbados

American Airlines (AA) non-stop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport to Barbados, restarted today, just in time for the island’s winter 2024/2025 season.

AA Flight 585, captained by Brian Nealis and First Officer Benjamin Sebek, landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport around 12:18 p.m., carrying 135 passengers, including Barbados’ Consul General to New York, Lorenzo Harewood.

The passengers and crew were welcomed by the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Craig Hinds; CEO of the GAIA Inc., Hadley Bourne; other officials from the BTMI; Ministry of Tourism, and Tourism sector; and Haynesville Tuk Band and dancers.

Acting CEO Hinds noted that today’s return of American Airlines from the northeast corridor of America is not merely a flight route, but is seen as a bridge strengthening the island’s connection to the most important part of the USA.

“This route symbolises a vital connection that welcomes travellers to our shores, inviting them to experience the warmth, beauty, and the unique spirit of us here in Barbados. This renewal service arrives at a pivotal point in our tourism journey, as Barbados’ tourism sector sees robust growth.

“Our partnership with American Airlines has been instrumental in allowing us to share Barbados with the US and also the rest of the world. Year to date, we have seen over 170,000 arrivals to these shores from the United States, and I think that American Airlines has a very big role to play in that, so, thank you very much,” Mr. Hinds stated.

He added: “For nearly five decades, American Airlines has been more than a partner, it has been steadfast in its service to Barbados. This flight from JFK, first launched 49 years ago, has facilitated countless journeys, introduced our island to new visitors, and fostered invaluable bonds between the two nations.

“Next year, we look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of this partnership, a milestone that underscores enduring strength and the relationship which we’ve worked so hard to make sure that we maintain. The re-establishment of this service will not only expand tourism, but it will support Barbados across a range of vital sectors, such as leisure, cultural tourism, diaspora engagement, culinary experiences, and romance tourism, to name a few,” the acting CEO said.

AA’s Managing Director of Operations for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, José María Giraldo, stated that it was a privilege for him to be in Barbados celebrating the reconnection of passengers from JFK to GAIA.

“We’re thrilled to further strengthen today our commitment to Barbados, a country that we have served for more than 49 years, and we are proud to lead as the largest US airline with this new route from New York, which we plan to operate daily on our 737 fleet. We further open up Barbados to our customers around the world, as we play a vital role in promoting the tourism industry on this beautiful island,” Mr. Giraldo said.

He disclosed that come Saturday, November 9, AA will also launch a new service from Philadelphia, USA, using its 737 fleet, which will operate weekly.

The AA Director of Operations remarked: “We are proud to be the only US airline that will operate from four US hubs to Barbados and operate up to 30 weekly flights, a true milestone for our airline.”

Mr. Giraldo expressed appreciation to the team at AA, the Barbados Government, airport authorities, and its partners in the tourism industry for helping to make today a reality. He said he looks forward to continuing working with them towards the success of the service and the island’s tourism industry. (PR/GIS)

Tourism

AER LINGUS OFFERS 25% OFF FLIGHTS TO BARBADOS

Aer Lingus has announced a special offer aimed at the Barbadian diaspora, inviting them to return home for its year-long We Gatherin’ celebrations.

From December 13^th to 23rd 2024, travellers can enjoy a 25% discount on Business and Economy fares for flights from Manchester to Barbados. The promotion is perfectly timed to coincide with the upcoming festive season, celebrating Barbadian heritage, culture, and unity, designed to bring together families, friends, and communities from across the diaspora.

With travel dates spanning from 13th December 2024 to 19th April 2025 and from 1st May to 30th May 2025, the offer allows flexibility for those travelling to reconnect and experience the island’s rich traditions.

Offer Details
To take advantage of this offer, book online at AerLingus.com and enter the promo code BARBADOS25 at checkout.

Booking period: December 13^th to 23^rd, 2024
Travel period: December 13^th, 2024 to April, 19th 2025 and May 1st to 30^th, 2025
Routes included: Manchester to Barbados
Discount: 25% off Business and Economy fares

Celebrate We Gatherin’ in Style

The Government of Barbados announced the highly anticipated We Gatherin’ 2025 – a nationwide call to Barbadians across the diaspora to “Come ‘Long Home” and reconnect with their heritage. We Gatherin’ 2025 will serve as a year-long homecoming, that offers a unique opportunity to experience the warmth, hospitality, and dynamic spirit of the Bajan way of life.

Beginning in January 2025, We Gatherin’ will feature parish-to-parish monthly celebrations, each time highlighting a different parish and theme to showcase the diverse and rich tapestry of Barbados’ heritage. This extraordinary initiative aims to strengthen bonds among families, friends, and communities while promoting the island as a premier destination for cultural tourism.. (PR)

Tourism

Luxury Yacht Emerald Sakara Docks At Bridgetown Port

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, today welcomed the luxury superyacht Emerald Sakara, as it made its inaugural berth at the Port of Bridgetown.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill, who was joined by officials from the Ministry, Barbados Port Inc., and Platinum Port Agency Inc., exchanged plaques with Captain of the yacht, Robert O’Leary.

The Minister said it was a pleasure to welcome the captain, the guests and the entire crew servicing Emerald Sakara to Bridgetown, Barbados.

He noted that the Emerald Sakara, like its sister ship the Emerald Azzurra which visited the island during the cruise season 2023/2024, is an air-sea transfer cruise offering.

“The fact that we have the Emerald brand in Port today also closely aligns with the airlift strategy that we are pursuing as a Ministry, as well as the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. The fact that we’ve been able to drive significant airlift out of the United States speaks volumes. And the reason for that is, that on this ship today, the Sakara, we will have passengers who are flying into Barbados to embark on the ship here in the Bridgetown Port for the onward journey to Speightstown.

“Again, this speaks volumes, and it aligns very closely with our airlift strategy, not only to increase the arrivals but also to bring smaller vessels to Barbados, and we will continue to build out that strategy,” Minister Gooding-Edghill stated.

Ninety-three guests on board the luxury superyacht will make history tomorrow, Sunday, December 15, as the first small cruise vessel to utilise the moorings installed off Speightstown, St. Peter.

“The unique opportunity that presents itself today is the fact that this smaller luxury ship will also be journeying all the way tomorrow to Speightstown, which affords the Speightstown community an opportunity to take advantage of all of the economic benefits, that for the first time, a ship utilising the new moorings off the Speightstown area. We are aware that there are several planned tours for the community, as well as for the northern part of Barbados. This is exciting news, and it also demonstrates the commitment on the part of smaller ships to go into Speightstown,” the Tourism Minister said.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill added that it is a “defining moment” in enhancing Barbados’ luxury tourism offerings and signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the island’s tourism product, which aligns with the Ministry’s vision and strategy of diversifying and enriching its tourism product.

Captain O’Leary, who expressed pleasure at being on the island, said: “It’s nice to be here. It’s nice to be back here. It’s been for me many, many years since I’ve been in Barbados. I was lucky enough to spend my 18th birthday here. I’ve got very fond memories of the shores off here, of many hours spent at the Boatyard, places like that, and places much more beautiful, but great memories of Barbados. So, it is very nice to come back, and it’s nice to bring Sakara here. Last year, our sister was here, Emerald Azzurra, this year we swapped, so it’s nice.”

The yacht, which has a carrying capacity of 100 passengers, is known for its boutique hotel-like amenities, intimate atmosphere, and excellent value for money.

Emerald Sakara’s next port of call is Kingston, St. Vincent. In addition to the Emerald Sakara, five other cruise vessels were in the Port, bringing a total of 4,274 cruise passengers to the island.

Tourism

Air Canada Marks 75 Years Of Flying To Barbados

Air Canada’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Flight AC966, from Toronto, Canada, landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport, at 2:39 p.m., on Tuesday, December 3, marking 75 years that the airline has been flying to Barbados.

The wide-body aircraft, piloted by Captains Mark Tibbetts and Darren Little, along with eight cabin crew members and 234 passengers, was welcomed to the island by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., the Grantley Adams International Airport, and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, noted that on December 3, 1949, Air Canada, known then as Trans-Canada Air Lines, was the first North American airline with scheduled service to Barbados. He said it signals a very longstanding partnership between the airline and the country.

“Indeed, this is a special occasion for Barbados; one that celebrates success; one that celebrates the 75 anniversary of Air Canada’s service into Barbados. I should emphasise that Barbados has the distinction of being Air Canada’s longest flight service destination in the entire Caribbean and enjoys the highest repeat visitors within the region,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.

He also shared that the airline is seen as a friend to the country. “For Barbados, Air Canada has certainly proven to be a great friend. When Barbados became an independent nation in November 1966, strengthening our identity as a nation and reinforcing our commitment to building international partners, Air Canada was there. When the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada was also here with us, and they became the first airline to resume flight service to Barbados after the pandemic. This demonstrates a deep and unwavering commitment to our shared recovery and resilience.”

The Tourism Minister disclosed that in this calendar year, up until November 24, the island saw an increase of 13.4 per cent in passenger arrivals, “representing Air Canada bringing some 4036 passengers to the end of November 2024”.

“I think that’s important for us to recognise, that this airline has contributed significantly to the economic development of Barbados,” he added.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill thanked the airline’s management for its service and recommitted the Ministry’s efforts to work with the airline as it continues to support Barbados’ economic and aviation development.

Air Canada’s Manager, Airport Operations, Jacqueline Parris, speaking on the momentous occasion, said the partnership has been beneficial to both parties.

“The joint partnership has significantly benefitted both countries. Air Canada has a loyal customer base, while the island has benefitted from … an increase of economic growth. As we look towards the next decade, we anticipate further strengthening of this relationship by expanding flight groups and collaborating on sustainable tourism initiatives….

“I want to express my sincere thanks to the BTMI for hosting this event. It was really appreciated, and it shows us how special we are. So thank you, everyone, we do appreciate this, and we look forward to our continued partnership,” Ms. Parris said.

The captains and crew received welcome tokens, including paintings from local artist Neville Legall and Barbados-branded items. (PR/GIS)