The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) advises that direct services between Barbados and Grand Cayman provided by Cayman Airways will conclude on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, with the service being initially reduced to once weekly after Friday, May 17, 2024, when the Thursday/Friday rotation will cease.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BTMI, Andrea Franklin, stated: “The board and management of the BTMI conducted a comprehensive review of airlift into Barbados for the just concluded winter season. Following the evaluation of the route’s performance the BTMI and Cayman Airways mutually agreed to terminate the arrangement.”

Franklin explained that the Cayman Airways route was initially established to enhance airlift between Barbados and the northern Caribbean, as well as the West Coast of the USA. However, over the past six months, the BTMI has made significant announcements regarding increased seat capacity from its key markets. These announcements will realise a 60,000-seat capacity increase for Barbados from the next winter season.

Furthermore, Copa Airlines, a popular choice for connecting travellers from the West Coast of the USA to Barbados, has increased its weekly flights from three to four since January 2024.

“The strategic increase of airlift to Barbados from existing and new gateways in our key source markets is critical to BTMI’s growth plan,” emphasised Ms. Franklin. She added: “Thanks to our intensified marketing efforts in these markets, we have witnessed a surge in demand for Barbados which resulted in a 74 per cent growth from the USA, while capacity from the Caribbean market increased by 63 per cent.”

Ms. Franklin concluded, “We express our gratitude to Cayman Airways for their support and indicated that the possibility of future partnerships remains open.”

Minister of Tourism and Transport for the Cayman Islands, Kenneth Bryan, said: “As Minister of Tourism, I acknowledge the decision of the Management and Board of BTMI to discontinue the Cayman Airways service to Barbados. The Ministry of Tourism understands the need for flexibility in the ever-evolving landscape of air travel and the mutually agreed termination of this contract allows both parties to explore new opportunities and strategic destinations.

“Throughout the contracted period, Cayman Airways has diligently fulfilled its commitment to provide reliable, quality service between our countries. Moving forward, our national airline will continue to prioritise tourism and domestic routes, utilising our aircraft to support these vital connections. We thank the BTMI for their partnership and wish them the best in their future endeavours.” 

Cayman Airways will continue to operate until Wednesday, July 3, 2024, to facilitate increased activity for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 

Passengers with bookings for travel after July 3rd will be contacted by Cayman Airways for assistance with rerouting or refunds as needed. Passengers may also contact Cayman Airways directly by calling 345-949-2311 or 1-844-443-6038 (toll free in Barbados). (PR/GIS)

Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has added four new awards to the list of prestigious awards up for grabs this year at the Association’s 2024 Tourism Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, June 8 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort & Spa.

Chairman of the Association, Renée Coppin, stated that the new award categories are the BHTA Transportation Provider of the Year, Special Award (in any endeavour), Bartender/Mixologist of the Year and Chef of the Year.

She explained that the new awards were added to highlight key contributors to the excellence of our tourism product and experience, “Tourism service is diverse and multifaceted, but we certainly feel that these awards shine a needed spotlight and the special award allows us the opportunity to reward someone who may not fit neatly into the established categories.

“The Transportation Provider of the Year award will go to a company, co-operative or taxi/rental company which has provided exemplary service to the industry in all sectors – cruise, tours, etc.; while the Special Award will be presented to an individual, company or corporation operating within Barbados that demonstrated exceptional service, outstanding acts, professionalism, and dedication towards the nation’s response in any particular endeavour.”

Coppin added that the BHTA Bartender/Mixologist of the Year Award will be presented to a bartender who is employed either in an independent bar or within a hotel, possesses excellent mixology skills and is well-versed in making cocktails and mixing alcoholic drinks with a wide range of spirits, among other skills.

“Likewise, the Chef of the Year Award will go to a chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive role model for other food professionals on his team and otherwise. He/she should be a chef for a minimum of three years and should demonstrate flair, creativity and culinary skills in creating recipes for both local and other cuisines,” she explained.

The biennial awards ceremony, held at the end of the two-year tenure of each BHTA Chairman to celebrate the outstanding contribution of BHTA members to the tourism industry, is sponsored by Gallagher Insurance Barbados Brokers Limited and will also feature Hotel of the Year – Luxury, A Class, B-Class & Apartments and Vacation Rental Property Management Company of the Year award categories.

Other awards include the Business Excellence of the Year Award in the categories Restaurant Member, Tourism Attraction, Supporting Member, Tourism Industry Supplier and Tourism Industry Partner; BHTA Environmental and Sustainability Award; Social Responsibility Award, Employee of the Year Award and the Life Time Achievement Award.

Coppin noted that nominations for the awards open from today, Thursday, May 2 to Thursday, May 16 to any person, accommodation property, restaurant, activity or attraction, industry supplier, service provider or supporter of the industry.  She said, “The nomination should be for outstanding performance and contribution to the growth, development and sustainability of the tourism industry.  The only criterion is that the nominee must be member of the BHTA.”

The 2022 BHTA awardees were Sandy Lane Hotel, Little Arches Boutique Hotel, Eco Lifestyle & Lodge, Blue Sky Luxury, Chefette Restaurants Ltd., Atlantis Submarines Barbados, Gallagher, Flow Barbados / C&W Business, Enterprise Growth Fund Ltd., The Crane, Hanif Walcott, Jackie White and Sunil Chatrani. (PR)

The Ministry of Tourism and International Transport is celebrating British Airways’ (BA) 70 years of service to Barbados, which began on April 1, 1954.

To mark the platinum anniversary, a number of activities took place, including the inaugural 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft service from London, Heathrow to Barbados on March 31, and BA’s Avison Points Programme promotion, which offered 400 half-term reward seats. 

There was also an inflight complimentary treat of Mount Gay’s XO and Eclipse for passengers coming to Barbados, as a result of a partnership with Mount Gay Distilleries Limited.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Chief Operations Officer, Cheryl Carter, and British Airways, Chief Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy, highlighted those activities and spoke of the long-standing partnership between Barbados and British Airways, during a press briefing at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, last evening.

Ms. Carter, who spoke on behalf of Minister of Tourism, Ian Gooding-Edghill, noted that for BA to mark a platinum anniversary service with the island signifies confidence in the partnership with Barbados, and also marks a significant chapter in Barbados’ aviation history.

The BTMI official pointed out that the airline’s expansive international network has served as an essential gateway to connecting the island with the world and fostering invaluable relationships across borders, as well as helping the island’s tourism sector rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

She indicated that the airline has plans to increase its flight capacity to Barbados, beginning in the 2024/2025 winter season, and this move will assist in the country’s efforts to provide airlift and enhance its tourism growth strategy as it seeks to pursue deeper penetration into Europe as well as the emerging markets of Middle East and Africa.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at BA for your resolute dedication to strengthening ties between London and Bridgetown… and extend a hearty thank you to British Airways for its role in supporting Barbados’ ongoing tourism recovery. We look forward to jointly steering ahead to combat the external shocks which impact the global tourism industry,” Ms. Carter stated.

Mr. Lacy emphasised that it was an honour to be commemorating the platinum anniversary of British Airways connecting London with the “beautiful island of Barbados”.

“Seventy years ago, British Airways embarked on a journey that would forge a bond between nations creating lasting friendships, and shape unforgettable memories for travellers across generations. Since our inaugural flight in 1954, we’ve been privileged to serve as a link, vital bridge between the United Kingdom and Barbados, enriching lives, facilitating business, and sharing culture. Looking ahead, our commitment to Barbados and the wider Caribbean remains as strong as ever. We are dedicated to providing our customers with a premium travel experience that surpasses expectations,” BA’s Chief Commercial Officer stated.

Speaking on the company’s decision to increase airlift capacity, he said it was because Barbados is viewed as a key destination in their network. “Our decision to offer double daily flights is driven by the strong demand and our steadfast commitment to Barbados as a key destination in our network. We are dedicated to providing our customers with more flexibility and a greater choice of flights, thereby enhancing their travel experience to this magnificent island,” Mr. Lacy said. (PR/GIS)