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

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

CONVIASA INTRODUCES LARGER AIRCRAFT ON BARBADOS ROUTE, BOOSTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAVEL AND TRADE

The arrival of Conviasa Airlines’ Airbus A340-200 signals a major development in the air connectivity between Barbados and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Due to growing demand for travel on this route, the airline has upgraded to a larger aircraft, offering 250 seats—more than double the capacity of the previous Embraer 190, which accommodated just 100 passengers.

This transition to the Airbus A340, which arrived in Barbados on October 5th, was celebrated by a delegation led by Corey Garrett, Director of Latin America for the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). The introduction of this larger aircraft not only meets the rising demand but also enhances the scope for future travel, allowing for a significant increase in seat availability and visitor arrivals between the two nations.

Corey Garrett, BTMI’s Director of Latin America, underscored the significance of this development:
“The increased capacity of the Airbus A340 is a game-changer for Barbados. It presents an unprecedented opportunity to welcome more visitors from Venezuela and the wider Latin American market, further promoting our island’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Strengthening our connectivity with Venezuela opens new doors for economic growth, increased trade, and the deepening of cultural and business relations.”

More than just an aircraft upgrade, this change reflects the strengthening partnership between Barbados and Venezuela. The new Airbus A340 paves the way for Latin American travelers to enjoy easier access to Barbados’ rich cultural experiences, world-class beaches, and vibrant attractions. With more seats available, this route opens exciting possibilities for expanding tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the countries.

Economic Benefits

The shift to a larger aircraft brings with it a host of economic advantages for Barbados. The enhanced capacity opens up more opportunities for local businesses, offering greater exposure to the Latin American market and diversifying the island’s visitor base. Travelers from Venezuela can now enjoy seamless access to Barbados’ stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant festivals, including the upcoming Barbados Food and Rum Festival and the world-famous Crop Over Festival.

As Barbados continues to position itself as a key Caribbean hub, this increased connectivity with Venezuela signals a bright future for tourism growth, stronger trade relations, a deepened cultural exchange that will benefit both nations for years to come. (PR)

Caption: A delegation comprising of H.E. Aquinas Clarke, Ambassador of Barbados to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Director, Latin Caribbean, BTMI, Corey Garrett, welcomed the team from Conviasa Airlines.

Tourism

Food & Rum Festival Wins Culinary Award For Second Year Running

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival has once again claimed the prestigious title of the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival. The announcement was made at the 5th Annual World Culinary Awards held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The World Culinary Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in the culinary industry through its annual awards programme. World Culinary Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, itself inaugurated in 1994.

This marks the second year in a row that the festival has been recognised for its culinary excellence on the global stage. The award highlights the festival’s commitment to elevating the island’s diverse offerings while strengthening its tourism product.

Culinary Capital of the Caribbean

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) is the entity responsible for the production of the festival. Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin, noted that the annual Food and Rum festival, which showcases the island’s talented chefs and mixologists, continues to position Barbados as a leading destination for culinary experiences.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second consecutive year. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, from our talented chefs and mixologists to our partners and sponsors,” CEO Franklin stated.

She added: “This recognition not only celebrates our unique culinary heritage but also reinforces Barbados as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.”

Barbados Food and Rum Festival 2024

The 2024 edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival will be held from Thursday, October 24, to Sunday, October 27. Described as ‘the Ultimate Foodie Dream Weekend’, it promises to be even more enticing, with a dynamic lineup of culinary events, including Liquid Gold Feast, Rise & Rum Breakfast Beach Party, Rum Route, Chef Classics, Oistins Under the Stars, Culture of Cuisine Talks, and the first ever Rum Night. The festival will feature local and international culinary talent, as well as young aspiring chefs.

This year’s festival also included the family-oriented Bajan Fair, which was held yesterday.

Feed the Future

Under the theme “Feed the Future”, the festival’s goal is to invest in the next generation of culinary talent through the Junior Chef Cook-Off Competition. The competition creates developmental and training opportunities for young aspiring chefs as they compete against each other for the title of Junior Chef Champion.

This year, 21-year-old Omari Layne was the winner of the competition, receiving a scholarship for an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, an internship at one of Barbados’ premium fine dining restaurants, as well as BBD 3,000.

As the festival continues to grow, it remains a key ingredient in Barbados’ efforts to enhance its global appeal as a premier culinary destination. (PR/GIS)