Tourism

BHTA 2024 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MESSAGE

Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress

There can be no greater imperative at this time than that contained in the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day 2024. With the world facing so many challenges it may seem like issues of gender inequality are no longer as relevant; especially as our concepts of gender evolve. There can be nothing farther from the truth.

The United Nations Women’s Organization estimates that, “if current trends continue, more than 342 million women and girls could be living extreme poverty by 2030.” This is a worrying statistic as it is well established that, “statistically, countries and regions that offer more economic opportunities for women have some of the best economies in the world.”

This simple statement is contained in a December 21, 2023 article by Amnah Zaidi. It goes on to cite the 2017 study by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which then stated that closing the gender gap in participation by 25 per cent by 2025 could increase global GDP by US$5.3 trillion. The question therefore is how far have we reached in fulfilling this obligation?

However, we should never believe that this is only an economic matter. The top ten countries that treat women best as presented in the results of a 2023 global survey by US News coincides very closely with the list of the happiest countries in the world as per the 2024 World Population Review. Countries that appear on both lists such as Sweden, Canada, Norway and Finland are well established in all important areas of development. They have demonstrated to the rest of the world that success is not simply measured by economic indices but by broader social and moral metrics.

Barbados has traditionally been matriarchically driven. This may be one of the reasons for the stability and progress that we have historically enjoyed. There can be no denying the vital role that women have played in the development of this island, both in the home and outside as participants in the labour force of the island.

UN Women lists five areas that are necessary to accelerate the economic empowerment of women. These are resources, jobs, time, security and rights. These five are important because they do not simply speak to assets and financing but recognize that it is equally important to build systems and institutions that promote investment in social goods and sustainable development.

Therefore, we as an island state can be proud of the significant ways that we have supported our women to the benefit of the wholistic development of Barbados. The 67/33 enrolment ratio of women to men at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill may point to other trends of concern but it certainly signals that we are seeking to provide educational resources and opportunities to our women. This has been one of the key catalysts to advancing their participation in the workforce.

The last Barbados Statistical Service Labour Market Survey bears out the results of that investment in education in relation to the number of women now engaged in higher level jobs. Sixty-one percent of professionals are female, 52% of Legislators and Senior Officers and 56% of Technician and Associate Professionals. The fact that we now have a female Prime Minister and President bear proof to the harvest of an intentional strategy to develop our women and the concomitant positive benefits for an island that has been said to punch above its weight.

Our island’s attention to human rights and our record in this regard can withstand any international scrutiny. Barbados must ensure that it remains a just, fair and democratic society where its citizens continue to be equal participants in its development and opportunities. Our legal, political and other systems must function optimally so that there is transparency and certainly to allow our women, the majority of whom are black, access to the enfranchisement which, due to our history, was for too long denied.

There has also been great attention to ensuring that Barbadian women are able to access social protection where needed and to building the kind of just society where such protection is less needed. Insecurity is a barrier to the advancement of women and even as we celebrate this Internation Women’s Day every Barbadian must recommit themselves to ensuring that our girls and women can live in a society that does not place them at risk of gender based or other violence. One that teaches respect for women and structures a society where that respect can be readily reciprocated.

There is one key area necessary for accelerating progress where Barbados may still have room for improvement. The worrying historical fact is that, even with all of our progress, globally women spend around three times more time on unpaid care and domestic work than men. This certainly holds true here. This means that many of our women are stretched thin because even as we progress in relation to our careers we are still expected to undertake an inordinate amount of the work for managing the home and family. Any meaningful discussion of accelerating progress for women must therefore deal with this issue frontally. Men must certainly be a part of the conversation about allowing our women to have the support needed so that they can thrive equally.

This conversation is particularly poignant in tourism where according to the ILO 60-70% of the workers in hotels, catering and tourism are women. A fact supported by the World Travel and Tourism Council which states that this sector employs marginally more women than any other. We in tourism must therefore be heavily engaged in ways to support our female team members who must often juggle raising families, childcare and even access to transportation given the shift driven nature of the industry, as significant obstacles to their ability to be consistent participants in their workplace.

These simple but core issues can too often be impediments to their success and advancement. This requires a national discussion as a tourism economy about how we lend support so that our women can have the time needed to thrive and progress. This can be achieved through a review of the childcare, social support structures and transportation sector and how they can be better configured to meet the needs of the island’s key economic driver and employer of women.

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association would like to use this opportunity to recognize and applaud the amazing women, whose daily contribution make this industry so powerful and who through their work, alongside their male counterparts, ensure the success of our beloved island. We assure of our commitment to making this industry the best it can be for our women and all those who participate in it both to accelerate their own progress and that of Barbados. Happy International Women’s Day! (PR)

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)