Tourism

BHTA APPOINTS TOURISM LIAISON OFFICER AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has appointed two employees to its growing team. They are Sade Deane, Tourism Liaison Officer and Kemuel Burke, Administrative Office Assistant.

Deane brings a wealth of experience in the tourism and business development sectors with emphasis on the environment and sustainability, having previously worked with a climate change organisation and as a Solutions Consultant, providing project management, administrative and corporate social responsibility services.

The holder of a MSc in Tourism with Project Management and a BSc in Tourism Management (Special) from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Deane explained that her new role has been enriching and full of learning opportunities.

She said, “As Tourism Liaison Officer I am responsible for translating external needs into business benefits for our members and assisting with the process of facilitating any internal adjustments or changes necessary to support the industry.

“After my initial assessment over the past few months, we now have a number of programmes planned, some of which we have already started to roll out. These include information and demonstration sessions with stakeholders as well as projects to improve the emergency management response levels among our members, to strengthen our environmental sustainability efforts and to enhance our connections with communities and the non-profit sector.”

*Kemuel Burke is the new Administrative Office Assistant at the BHTA*

Burke, who previously interned with the Association in 2023 while pursuing a BSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management at UWI, is now responsible for enhancing the administrative efficiency of the Association.

He explained that his stint as an intern prepared him for his new position, “Starting as a full-time member of staff has not felt like a new experience but like coming back to work after a weekend away. From engaging with stakeholders to foster stronger relationships, to assisting with event management, supporting marketing promotions, handling member queries and, of course, managing the day-to-day administrative activities of the Association, the last few months have been both dynamic and rewarding.

“Not only am I contributing to the services the Association provides to its members, but I am also developing my organisational, communication and teamwork skills, while deepening my understanding of the tourism and hospitality industry. I am excited for the opportunity to continue growing and contributing to the BHTA’s success.”

CEO of the BHTA, Ryan Forde stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Sade and Kemuel to the team as they have both added strengths to areas that we were previously operating at a weakness, due to the limitation of resources of skillset and manpower.

“Sade’s experience and diligence allowed us to address many challenges and concerns alongside our public sector partners across varying ministerial and NGO agencies especially with reference to water, waste disposal, hurricane preparedness and reaction to storm impact as well as agriculture, to name a few. This allows the business community to have areas addressed quicker and lend assistance to the government agencies programmes to help build resilience.

“Kemuel has really stood out for his energy and enthusiasm as a younger member of the team, coupled with his experience gained from training in the industry while studying. His internship allowed us to be exposed to his willingness to learn, to communicate a newer vision of Tourism of the future and to also be essential in supporting the team, our members and the industry as a whole, on a day to day basis.” (PR)

Tourism

Legends Golf Tour Is Back In Barbados For 2025

The Legends Golf Tour will be held in Barbados for a second year at Apes Hill Barbados Golf Resort and Community, from April 25 to 27.

The event returns to the Apes Hill property following resounding praise for the venue as a world-class facility, having hosted the event in May 2024. This was disclosed by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Director of Marketing, Robert Chase, during a media launch this yesterday at the Apes Hill’s Club House, St. James.

Mr. Chase noted that the BTMI is an official sponsor of the tournament and values its partnership with the Barbados Legends and Apes Hill Barbados, as it takes steps to reinforce the island as not only a world-class holiday destination but also a premier choice for sports tourism.

“The Barbados Legends, part of the esteemed European Tour Group, presents an incredible opportunity for Barbados to shine on a global stage. With a target audience of affluent individuals aged 45 to 65, this event aligns seamlessly with our strategic goals to attract high-net-worth visitors, who are seeking unique premium experiences….

“What excites us most about this partnership is its far reaching impact. The tournament will broadcast globally through the Tour’s collaboration with Sky Sports in the UK and many other global broadcasters, ensuring that Barbados is showcased to millions of viewers across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Additionally, the presence of over 200 professional amateur players, along with their families and friends, further amplifies economic and cultural benefits to our island,” Director Chase stated.

The BTMI official also shared that the tournament has a community initiative component, where Barbadian youth will be introduced to the sport.

European Legends Tour’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Phil Harrison, noted that The Legends Tour is the current name of the European Senior Tour and is the official tour for players over 50. It is part of the PGA European Tour alongside the DP World Tour and European Challenge Tour, and provides the greatest amateur experience in golf with opportunities to play alongside legends of golf.

Mr. Harrison indicated that the Barbados leg will have 60 players from all over the world, including South Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and last year’s tournament winner Peter Baker, from the United Kingdom, competing for a total of US$600,000 in prize money.

Apes Hill’s Director of Golf, Jody Addison, said: “We are delighted to host the Legends Tour for the second time of a three-year partnership, welcoming back some of the biggest legends in the game of golf, including former Rally Golf stars and major winners. As we continue our journey and vision to become the Caribbean’s best golf and lifestyle venue, we’re truly honoured to host such a prestigious event … having only just opened in 2022, [and] we look forward to welcoming the players and spectators to what promises to be a spectacular event showcasing the inspiring nature of Apes Hill.”

Tour and host ambassador, Ian Woosnam, said it was a delight to be the ambassador for the tournament, and “in a way” also for Barbados and Apes Hill.

He said the “players absolutely love it” here in Barbados, just as he does. Mr. Woosnam added that he purchased a home here more than 30 years ago and he hopes to continue being an ambassador. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Director of Marketing, Robert Chase, speaking at today’s media launch for the Legends Golf Tour. He is joined by (left to right) – European Legends Tour’s Chief Executive Officer, Phil Harrison; Apes Hill’s Director of Golf, Jody Addison; and last year’s tournament winner Peter Baker. of the United Kingdom.

Tourism

Barbados Welcomes Another P&O Vessel – MS Iona

P&O’s MS Iona docked for the first time in Barbados yesterday, Sunday, January 26.

During a welcome ceremony onboard the vessel, Captain Andrew Wolverson and officials from the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Barbados Port Inc., and Platinum Port Agency Inc., exchanged plaques.

BTMI’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin, noted that the first Excel-class cruise ship is the second P&O vessel to sail into Barbados. Its sister ship, Arvia, was christened back in March 2023 during a beachside ceremony in Speightstown, and having two P&O vessels sailing to the island speaks to the “strong and enduring relationship between Barbados and P&O cruises”.

“These milestones reflect the deep trust and collaboration between our country and your company, P&O cruises. Thank you for your confidence in our island as a sought after destination which promises to captivate the visiting families, travel groups, couples, and individuals, who are on board your ship. The continued growth of Barbados’ cruise tourism underscores our prominence as the premier home port in the southern Caribbean, servicing both contemporary and luxury vessels,” Ms. Franklin stated.

The CEO shared that during the period January to November 2024, Barbados received a total of 360 cruise calls, an increase of 61 calls compared to the same period in 2023.

Captain Wolverson said the vessel, named after the Scottish island Iona, began operating in 2021 and is on a 35-day round-trip Caribbean discovery. It sailed from Southampton, United Kingdom, on January 11 and brought just over 5,000 passengers to Barbados.

“Barbados, of course, is a fantastic Island, which our guests are incredibly excited to be able to get off and explore…. It is a true favourite of ours. This is our inaugural 35-night Caribbean cruise. We look forward to doing this again in the future. It’s going down really well; the guests are having a fantastic time, and this is probably the jewel of the crown, the trip to Barbados. And actually, we’ve got an overnight call here as well, so we’re very excited,” Captain Wolverson said.

The vessel’s next port of call is Castries, St. Lucia.

Caption: Barbados Port Inc.’s Divisional Manager Business Development & Strategy, Jane Brome (left) and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin; exchange plaques with Captain of the P&O MS Iona, Andrew Wolverson, during an onboard welcome ceremony yesterday

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)