Minister Gooding-Edghill Lauds Strides In Tourism Sector

As Barbados prepares to celebrate its 60th Anniversary of Independence later this year, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has pointed to significant strides made in the industry, be it from increased airlift to enhanced tourist attractions.

Minister Gooding-Edghill boasted of an industry that has undergone significant transformation since its early beginnings.

Addressing those attending the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc’s. Loyal Visitors Reception at State House last Friday, he gave a snapshot of some of those achievements, including increased airlift from its source markets.

He disclosed that in 2025, the Grantley Adams International Airport recorded the highest passenger volume in its history by successfully handling over 2.4 million passengers.

This milestone, the Tourism Minister added, represented a 1.9 per cent increase over 2024 and a significant increase of 5.2 per cent increase when compared with 2019. 

Of equal importance, he said this performance was “delivered without any significant negative impact to the daily operations, which is a direct reflection that the airport is indeed capable of successfully handling these high volumes”.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill further stated: “Beyond this, there have been substantial enhancements to our attractions, service standards, accommodations and infrastructure, all with the one clear objective – to continuously improve the visitor experience.”

He also mentioned the Ministry’s Dine with a Bajan initiative as another programme to deepen the connections with locals and visitors through cuisine.  

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the industry. “As Minister of Tourism and International Transport and having recently been entrusted once again with responsibility for this vital sector, I want to reaffirm my commitment and support for the tourism industry. Tourism remains a cornerstone of our national development, a driver of employment and entrepreneurship and a vital link between Barbados and the world.

“I am fully committed to continuing my work alongside our tourism partners, stakeholders, and the many diligent workers within the industry, to strengthen the sector, safeguard its resilience and ensure that Barbados continues to deliver an authentic, high-quality and inclusive tourism experience for generations to come,” he underlined.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gooding-Edghill underscored the importance of the Loyal Visitors Programme, saying the receptions symbolised the “very soul of our tourism industry, showcasing how we are all rooted in connection, appreciation and people”.

“Through your continued patronage, you have made tangible contributions to Barbados’ economy and to the sustainability and longevity of our tourism product, but beyond economic impact, we are most grateful for the deep personal bonds you have forged with our most valuable brand asset – our people,” he affirmed.

He thanked the visitors for choosing Barbados as their “home away from home”, adding that their repeat visits had not only contributed to the island’s evolving and enchanting story, but had helped the country to maintain one of the highest repeat visitor rates in the Caribbean. 

But the night belonged to those loyal visitors who were recognised for visiting Barbados 20, 30, 40 and 50 plus times. The honourees, Bob and Isabella Calkins, James and Diane Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. Bleacher, Marie-Lyse Dubois and John Szilagyi, Mr. Olayree, Tap and Neville Small, accepted specially curated pictoral plaques depicting several scenic spots across Barbados from Minister Gooding-Edghill, and the President of Barbados, His Excellency, Lieutenant Colonel, The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic. (PR/GIS)