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Barbados Signs Air Services Agreement With Qatar

An Air Services Agreement (ASA) between Barbados and the State of Qatar was signed on October 13, in Doha, Qatar.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, signed the ASA on behalf of the Government of Barbados, while President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Mohamed Faleh Alhajri, signed for Qatar.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill noted that the signing of the Barbados-Qatar ASA is part of a wider initiative under Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s leadership to promote greater regional air connectivity in the Caribbean while expanding international cooperation and diplomatic ties in the Middle East.

“This ASA marks an important step towards deepening ties between Barbados and Qatar, setting the foundation for enhanced collaboration in the aviation sector and creating new opportunities to explore air connectivity between our regions,” said the Minister responsible for International Transport.

He also noted that Qatar is home to one of the world’s busiest airports and largest airlines and is known internationally for its sophisticated aviation technology.

The ASA gives designated airlines from both countries the flexibility to operate without directional or geographical limitations. In addition, the signing will assist in the process of enhancing the relationship between Barbados and Qatar and will facilitate greater cooperation in several areas, including tourism, capacity-building, opportunities in education, and scholarships. It will also serve as a means of broadening the scope of engagement and the pursuit of opportunities for increased trade and investment.

Qatar Airways is a state-owned carrier and is a member of the One World Alliance, which includes legacy carriers American Airlines and British Airways. Qatar Airways operates in destinations across Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, North America, and South America and has extensive code-sharing agreements in place, which would make transfers for long-haul travel beneficial to travellers and participating airports. 

The Barbados delegation, led by Minister Gooding-Edghill, will also be exploring opportunities for technical assistance and capacity-building in civil aviation with Qatar.

Members of the delegation include Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Transport, Charley Browne; Chief Technical Officer (Ag.), Dionne Gibbs-Nicholls; Director General (Ag.), Barbados Civil Aviation Authority, Tracey Forde-Bailey; Director of Air Navigation Services, Department of Air Navigation Services, Carl Gaynair; and Special Advisor, Economic Cooperation and Trade, Invest Barbados, Alexia Hefti. 

Barbados and Qatar established diplomatic relations on December 4, 2007.(PR/GIS)

Tourism

Barbados’ First 2025 Port Inaugural Is Ritz-Carlton Ilma

Barbados’ first inaugural port call for 2025 is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Ilma.  

The vessel, with 224 suites and a carrying capacity of 448 passengers, made its inaugural berth at the Port of Bridgetown, today.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Francine Blackman, welcomed Staff Captain, Ante Benic, and General Manager, Dennis Sorensen, during an onboard plaque exchange ceremony to mark the arrival of the Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma. It is the newest vessel in the collection and began sailing in September 2024.

The Permanent Secretary noted that today’s celebration is an exciting development for Barbados’ cruise industry.

“Over the years, the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, in collaboration with the Barbados Port Inc., and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., has worked continuously to diversify and enhance the island’s cruise tourism. Today’s arrival of the Ritz-Carlton Ilma marks a significant milestone as part of these efforts.

“The Ritz-Carlton brand is globally recognised as a leader in luxury, hospitality and service excellence, so to have the Ilma call on the Port of Bridgetown is indicative of the strides made in reinforcing Barbados’ status as a premier destination,” Ms. Blackman stated.

She added that the Ministry will continue to target the luxury segment of the cruise industry in its overall tourism marketing strategy as the island seeks to position itself as a premier port destination in the southeastern Caribbean.

Permanent Secretary Blackman disclosed during the plaque exchange ceremony that for the period January to November 2024, there was an increase in cruise arrivals when compared to the same period for 2023.

“During the period January to November 2024, we saw a 23 per cent increase in total cruise ship arrivals over the same period for the previous year, and this has been confirmed certainly by our Barbados Statistical Department. They reported a total of 649,125 cruise arrivals for the period January to November 2024; over 526,114 cruise arrivals for the same period in 2023.”

Staff Captain Benic, on behalf of the employees and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, expressed thanks for the “warm welcome” and said he looks forward to future calls.

The yacht Ilma, whose name means “water” in Maltese, will make five turnaround calls for the winter cruise 2024-2025 season. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Evrima, which made its inaugural call to Barbados in November 2022, will make seven calls to the Port of Bridgetown. (PR/GIS)

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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 13th 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 13th to 23rd, 2024
  • Travel period: December 13th, 2024 to April, 19th 2025 and May 1st to 30th, 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)

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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.

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