Tourism

HAILEE COPS JUNIOR TOURISM MINISTER TITLE

This was expressed by the 16-year-old yesterday as she won the competition in the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Barbados Tourism Youth Congress 2024, at Hilton Barbados, Needham’s Point, St. Michael. Mikkel Robertson of Alexandra School placed second, while Malika Straker of the Lester Vaughan School came third. The other contestants were Dalinda Maynard of Princess Margaret Secondary School, Jaydn Gill of Harrison College, and Makayla Lowe of The Ellerslie School.
On being declared the winner, the young student could not contain her delight and wept openly. “I can’t believe I have done it; I’ve worked so hard. I put in so much effort. So many people worked with me; so many people were telling me I could do it; so many people supported me. “So many people had my back behind this and all I could think about coming into this [competition] was how I didn’t want to let those people down; how I wanted to give them something to be proud of and how I wanted to carry their support with me all the way. I was always thinking that I can’t aim for first place if I want to do well. I have to aim to go regional and that’s what I was thinking the entire time,” she cried.

The winning student expressed thanks to family, friends, teachers, and well-wishers. She also revealed that behind the scenes everyone pitched in and added: “What my teachers said really did come true. ‘It really did take a village … and I can’t forget to thank God because as I was sitting up there, all I could do is pray in that moment to help me to focus; to help me to be fluent; to help me to present this the way I want to and I was just like the only thing missing in this moment for me is to ask God to stay by my side and to ask God to help me to focus, to help me to be fluent, to help me to present this the way I want to…. You imagine I won by one point.”

As one of her prizes, Hailee will be representing Barbados at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Regional Youth Congress, where she will vie for the Regional Junior Minister of Tourism title during the CTO’s State of The Industry Conference in Cayman Islands in September.
Hailee, who takes over from last year’s winner, Jordan Grieg of Harrison College, was encouraged by him, through his review of his 2023 tenure, “to take opportunities and put yourself out there”. She was also told that it was a once in a life-time opportunity “to make many other youth voices heard” and get others involved in the sector.

Meanwhile, BTMI’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin, calling the occasion an “exciting final” said she hoped many of the students would remain in the tourism industry, as over the years, they had seen “the instance of people moving away from working in the sector, and we need to get young minds back in tourism”. Urging them to continue their education in the field, Ms. Franklin noted the Tourism Youth Congress provides the essential gateway for the industry to better engage Barbadian youth on critical tourism matters and to stimulate greater awareness and meaningful discourse regarding the industry.

While emphasising that the competition provides first-hand experience of Barbados’ unique product, she said it enticed many visitors to make it their “perennial destination of choice”.
The Congress, she added, plays an integral part in shaping the island’s future tourism leaders, leading to today’s youth being tomorrow’s decision makers, who would directly influence the sector’s sustainable expansion. Ms. Franklin stressed: “Tourism continues to be the mainstay of our country’s economic growth and therefore safeguarding the future of the industry is of paramount importance.”

CAPTION: The 2024 Junior Minister of Tourism, Hailee Harding (second from left) of the Graydon Sealy Secondary School, poses for a photograph with (from left to right) – the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Chief Product Development Officer, Marsha Alleyne; teachers Jamie Carrington (centre) and Cheryl Williams (seated); BTMI Board member, Shireen Mathurin-Tulloch; and BTMI Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin. (GP) Hailee Harding of Graydon Sealy Secondary School is the new Junior Minister of Tourism, thanks to hard work and the support of many.

Tourism

BHTA APPOINTS NEW OPERATIONS MANAGER GREG BROOMES

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has appointed Greg Broomes as its Operations Manager.

Broomes, who will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s operational effectiveness and strategic initiatives, will also manage the human resources, finance, ICT and property management functions of the Association.

With over 11 years of experience across several sectors including international development, finance and audit, the Fellow Chartered and Certified Accountant and Project Management Professional explained that the strategic growth and sustainability of the BHTA and the broader tourism sector will be his main focus.

He said, “To achieve this I will concentrate on streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring the team is equipped to consistently deliver high-quality services to members and represent their interests with key stakeholders. Another priority will be to develop initiatives aimed at engaging and empowering youth within the tourism industry – by promoting career opportunities and offering educational programmes we aim to cultivate a pipeline of future industry leaders, not only within the industry, but as a part of the Association.

“I also envision expanding our Secretariat’s role as a data hub for firm-level data critical to advancing the sector. Building on our existing data collection efforts in areas such as disaster preparedness and occupancy trends, we will leverage this information for insightful research and informed decision-making.”

In his new role, Broomes, who holds a MBA in Financial Management from the London School of Business and Finance, will also serve as a key liaison with stakeholders; oversee the seamless implementation of events, initiatives and projects that benefit BHTA members and the industry as a whole, and also deputize for the CEO as needed, ensuring continuity in operations and strategic leadership.

“I am dedicated to advocating for the continual evolution of tourism products and experiences that showcase the unique offerings of Barbados. This will include supporting initiatives that enhance the business capacities and resilience of our membership, particularly in the face of the impacts of climate change.

“By fostering innovation and sustainability practices within our membership, while advocating for improvements in the legislative and policy environment that impact the membership’s ability to operate, we can ensure our members thrive while contributing to the overall economic prosperity of our country,” he noted.

CEO of the BHTA, Ryan Forde, in welcoming Broomes to the Association stated, “Greg was selected for all of the reasons that he mentioned but for so much more. There is a need for re-establishing a structure of operating procedures that stretch beyond the secretariat, but how the BHTA and its members operate in unison alongside the rest of the private and public sector, as the tourism industry is more important than just one entity.

“We will leverage and use his knowledge, skill set and experience as we aim to form stronger partnerships and activate stronger advocacy on behalf of our members and the industry from a data analysis and presentation perspective. His youthfulness yet level of expertise is a plus and it helps shore up a lot of the much-needed changes at the BHTA. We welcome Greg with open arms.” (PR)

Tourism

BIG PLANS TO CELEBRATE TOURISM WEEK 2024

“Tourism and Peace” UNWTO’s the theme

The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) announced that the celebration of World Tourism Day will be a week-long series of events and activities that will honour the invaluable contributions of the tourism sector to Barbados.

This year’s celebration will highlight the theme set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for World Tourism Day—“Tourism and Peace”—and will underscore the pivotal role tourism plays in fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and social harmony in Barbados.

During today’s press launch, Chief Product Development Officer, BTMI, Marsha Alleyne, emphasized the importance of the tourism sector, stating, “Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars to the development of our nation. It is our duty to recognize and celebrate the hardworking individuals who make this possible. Tourism Week 2024 is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation and to highlight the peace and prosperity that tourism brings to our island.”

Celebrating World Tourism Day

The centrepiece of Tourism Week will be the observance of World Tourism Day on Friday, September 27, 2024. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” underscores the vital role tourism plays as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures. As a destination that welcomes visitors from around the world, the BTMI understands that tourism can be a powerful force for peace, by bringing people together and creating a more connected and compassionate global community.

Key Events During Tourism Week 2024:

Church Service – Sunday, September 22, 2024: The week begins with a church service at Mount Zion United Holy Church from 8:15 a.m. This event will bring together tourism professionals from all faiths and backgrounds to express gratitude, reflect on their accomplishments, and foster a sense of community within the industry. The service will feature a message from the Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. G.P. Ian Gooding-Edghill, musical performances, and cultural presentations.
Tourism Megafest – Tuesday, September 24 to Wednesday, September 25, 2024: The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre will also host the Tourism Megafest, an immersive expo showcasing the rich cultural diversity, unique attractions, and hospitality of Barbados. The event will include exhibitions, interactive seminars, live performances, and a career showcase, providing valuable insights and opportunities for those interested in the tourism industry.
Restaurant Season – September 1 to October 31, 2024: This year’s Restaurant Season will run from September 1 to October 31, 2024, in support of Tourism Week and the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. Participating restaurants across the island will offer specials, discounts, and themed culinary events to showcase the diverse dining experiences available in Barbados.
Industry Specials – September 22 to September 28, 2024: Special discounts will be offered by accommodation venues, restaurants, and attractions for industry personnel and residents with valid national identification. These specials will include staycations, day passes, and dining offers, among others.
Strict Guardians of Our Heritage Charitable Event – Saturday, September 28, 2024: The tourism community will engage in a clean-up event to honour one of the island’s heritage assets, raising awareness about the importance of preserving these sites as part of Barbados’ competitive tourism strategy. The BTMI will be joining Dr. Carla Daniel, Director of the Barbados Sea Turtle Project at Drill Hall Beach. This is the largest turtle nesting area in Barbados that was affected by Hurricane Beryl. The organisation will be helping with the clean-up and we encourage persons to join us.
World Tourism Day Celebration – Friday, September 27, 2024: World Tourism Day will be marked with the Peli Can Island Community Pop-Up, held in association with the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. This event will be a large pop-up, inviting tourism workers, tourists, and locals to enjoy Bajan cuisine and traditional entertainment.

Alleyne continued to highlight the significance of Tourism Week, stating, “Tourism Week is not just a celebration; it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our tourism professionals. By recognizing their contributions and promoting our destination’s unique offerings, we strengthen the very foundation of our economy and culture. We invite everyone to participate in the festivities and join us in showcasing the best of Barbados to the world.” (PR)

Caption: (from left) Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Anderson Cumberbatch; Chief Product Development Officer, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Marsha Alleyne; and Tourism Liaison Officer, Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, Sade Deane.

Tourism

BARBADOS TOURISM MINISTER NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION

The Honorable Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The election took place during the CTO’s Annual General Meeting, held in the Cayman Islands on September 3, 2024.

Minister Gooding-Edghill’s election marks a significant moment for Barbados and the wider Caribbean tourism sector. As Chairman, he will lead the CTO’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism for the next two years, guiding the organization’s strategic efforts to enhance and promote tourism across the region.

Expressing his gratitude and commitment, Minister Gooding-Edghill stated, “It is a great honour for Barbados to be chosen to represent the region at this level. I am deeply committed to working with my colleagues across the Caribbean to strengthen our tourism sector, drive sustainable growth, and navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to position the Caribbean as the world’s leading tourist destination.”

The election of Minister Gooding-Edghill comes at a crucial time for the Caribbean tourism industry, as the region continues to see increases in the airlift and cruise deployments across the board, and member countries are working to adapt to the evolving global tourism landscape. Under his leadership, the CTO will focus on key priorities including the continued reimagining of the organization to meet the needs of its diverse member countries and satisfy emerging consumer demands.

The outgoing Chairman, Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism for the Cayman Islands, congratulated Minister Gooding-Edghill on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the CTO through this dynamic period.

The CTO is the leading tourism development agency in the Caribbean, with a mission to provide leadership in the sustainable development of tourism for the social and economic benefit of Caribbean people. As Chairman, Minister Gooding-Edghill will be at the forefront of efforts to drive the organization’s vision of a united, innovative, and sustainable Caribbean tourism industry.

ANDREA FRANKLIN BECOMES BOARD CHAIR OF CTO

In addition to Gooding-Edghill’s appointment, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Andrea Franklin, assumes the role of Chair of the Board of Directors of the CTO. Speaking on the appointment, Franklin stated that “I am looking forward to working with my fellow directors across the region to enhance strategies for marketing the region collectively, and addressing the challenges that the Caribbean faces as it relates to climate resilience, improved airlift capacity, and overall product development.”