Tourism

Direct Airlift Between Barbados & Africa Vital For Trade

The Caribbean and Africa possess complementary strengths in various sectors, making them natural trading partners. And, for successful trading and the enhancement of ties to occur, there needs to be direct airlift connectivity.

This is the view of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Senior Minister Coordinating the Productive Sector, Kerrie Symmonds, who added that the airlift must be cost-effective to generate substantial interest.

Mr. Symmonds stated this while speaking virtually at the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries’ (BCSI) business forum panel discussion on Airlinking Prosperity: Bridging Trade and Services in The Caribbean and African Region.

He noted that, to date, Barbados had signed air services agreements with Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda and is in the process of discussing how to actualise the airlift.

“But an air service agreement is not something you can fly on. Therefore, you need to have, obviously, the airline. But before the airline can leave the ground, there has to be some economic framework, some substance that allows for this effort to make sense, otherwise you will have … a collapse,” the Minister explained.

He stressed that direct airlift between Barbados and Africa would be expensive and subsidising seats was not the ideal way. He proposed that to get started, the region should consider chartered flights; the use of technology as a tool for interconnectivity and trade, while promoting what each destination has to offer in business, services, culture, and leisure.

“There is, in my judgment, tremendous mutual interests on both sides of the Atlantic, Africa and in the Caribbean in building this bridge … and there are some things which are within our grasp immediately.

“Broadcasting can be done. Promotion of film and of our music helps us to build that cultural familiarity and an understanding of each other in a much better way, and I think we should go full blast on that, while even as we work then to put the nuts and bolts together on the more heavy lifting, which is really what the air services would require,” Minister Symmonds stated.

Also participating in the panel discussion were Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association, Dr. Trisha Tannis; Director of Finance and Resource Management, of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Neil Walters; and Associate, Afreximbank, Victor Mukete.

The overall consensus was that the two regions, though geographically separated, share historical, cultural, and economic ties that could present vast potential for economic growth and development in the face of rising costs across the world; and direct airlift along with technology is key.

They proposed for future trading and tourism to occur successfully, there must be public-private partnerships to foster trade and services; entrepreneurs need to be less “risk-averse” and open to exporting their products and services beyond the region; increase the use of technology and digital platforms, for example, fintech, blockchain, a regional virtual marketplace, and multi-destination tourism.

In addition, they also suggested tapping into investment and technical assistance available, for example Afreximbank, and for CARICOM to come together and address barriers to trade and standardisation issues, which would assist with getting accredited and having the requisite standards for trading internationally. (PR/GIS)

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)