Tourism

New Cayman Islands Route For Barbados

Major boost expected from upcoming Cayman Airways flight

Barbados is ramping up the marketing and promotion efforts for the Cayman Airways service ahead of the first flight on October 18.

The new route was first announced in July during a joint press conference between Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, and Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands, Kenneth Bryan.

This is the first direct, scheduled service between the two islands and ticket sales began in September. Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Shelly Williams, gave an update on some of the activities the BTMI is undertaking to promote the new service.

“Next week, we will be hosting a special launch event in the Cayman Islands to promote Barbados; especially the Barbados Food and Rum Festival which coincides with the inaugural flight from Barbados to Cayman. We will be inviting businesspersons, diaspora, and key travel and tourism agents and influencers who will sell destination Barbados,” she said.

At the activation, there will be one mixologist and two chefs from Barbados that will be present to give Caymanians a taste of what they can expect in October for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival.

The Chairman added that they will be giving a door prize, which is a trip to Barbados for one week for two guests, with accommodation at Courtyard by Marriot Barbados; and tickets onboard Cayman Airways inaugural flight.

She noted that the BTMI is working in conjunction with the diaspora on the ground to raise more awareness and excitement for the flight. This includes working with Honorary Consul for Barbados in the Cayman Islands, Juliette Gooding.

“The Barbadian diaspora in the Cayman Islands is large and there is a buzz on the ground as everyone prepares to welcome the start of this service in October. We have a mix of diaspora in the Cayman Islands and we are all ready for the possibilities that come along with this service such as introducing some of the Caymanian business partners and expats to the beautiful island of Barbados,” Ms. Gooding said.

Targeting a variety of travellers

Mrs. Williams also addressed how this flight fits into the BTMI’s overall strategy.

“This new service allows us to address some of the challenges we’re currently facing in the region as it pertains to airlift, while also diversifying our source markets by giving us access to the Northern Caribbean; in particular, connectivity with Jamaica and Cuba,” Mrs. Williams said.

“More importantly, in a few weeks, I hope to announce a second service using Cayman Airways through LA. Regional travel has always been an area that we in Barbados have been working towards improving and this service is critical as it opens Barbados and the Cayman Islands to the rest of the region. Cayman Airways is currently the only Caribbean carrier providing this service to this gateway. It will improve connectivity with Jamaica, New York, Havana, Miami and most importantly Los Angeles. Therefore, we welcome this fruitful partnership with Cayman Airways.”

The Cayman Islands has a vibrant Barbadian population and these services opens up the opportunity for the diaspora to travel home. Additionally, the Cayman Islands is known as a major financial centre and many international accounting and finance business entities have significant connections and bases in Cayman.

The Chairman anticipates that these business professionals would be the major users of this flight.

Mutually beneficial service

Williams highlighted that Barbados is considered the airlift hub for the Eastern Caribbean and currently, the island boasts of having the largest number of flights out of the UK and Europe.

Therefore, Caymanians and Barbadians stand to benefit from these new services as they connect Barbados to the Northern Caribbean, and offer the Cayman Islands easier connectivity to the UK and Europe through the Grantley Adams International Airport.

“This new gateway continues to see Barbados as a hub in our strong connectivity into the UK and Europe. We anticipate that this will be an advantageous and valuable partnership for both Barbados and the Cayman Islands,” Mrs. Williams said. (PR/GIS)

Tourism

American Airlines New York Service Returns To Barbados

American Airlines (AA) non-stop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport to Barbados, restarted today, just in time for the island’s winter 2024/2025 season.

AA Flight 585, captained by Brian Nealis and First Officer Benjamin Sebek, landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport around 12:18 p.m., carrying 135 passengers, including Barbados’ Consul General to New York, Lorenzo Harewood.

The passengers and crew were welcomed by the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Craig Hinds; CEO of the GAIA Inc., Hadley Bourne; other officials from the BTMI; Ministry of Tourism, and Tourism sector; and Haynesville Tuk Band and dancers.

Acting CEO Hinds noted that today’s return of American Airlines from the northeast corridor of America is not merely a flight route, but is seen as a bridge strengthening the island’s connection to the most important part of the USA.

“This route symbolises a vital connection that welcomes travellers to our shores, inviting them to experience the warmth, beauty, and the unique spirit of us here in Barbados. This renewal service arrives at a pivotal point in our tourism journey, as Barbados’ tourism sector sees robust growth.

“Our partnership with American Airlines has been instrumental in allowing us to share Barbados with the US and also the rest of the world. Year to date, we have seen over 170,000 arrivals to these shores from the United States, and I think that American Airlines has a very big role to play in that, so, thank you very much,” Mr. Hinds stated.

He added: “For nearly five decades, American Airlines has been more than a partner, it has been steadfast in its service to Barbados. This flight from JFK, first launched 49 years ago, has facilitated countless journeys, introduced our island to new visitors, and fostered invaluable bonds between the two nations.

“Next year, we look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of this partnership, a milestone that underscores enduring strength and the relationship which we’ve worked so hard to make sure that we maintain. The re-establishment of this service will not only expand tourism, but it will support Barbados across a range of vital sectors, such as leisure, cultural tourism, diaspora engagement, culinary experiences, and romance tourism, to name a few,” the acting CEO said.

AA’s Managing Director of Operations for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, José María Giraldo, stated that it was a privilege for him to be in Barbados celebrating the reconnection of passengers from JFK to GAIA.

“We’re thrilled to further strengthen today our commitment to Barbados, a country that we have served for more than 49 years, and we are proud to lead as the largest US airline with this new route from New York, which we plan to operate daily on our 737 fleet. We further open up Barbados to our customers around the world, as we play a vital role in promoting the tourism industry on this beautiful island,” Mr. Giraldo said.

He disclosed that come Saturday, November 9, AA will also launch a new service from Philadelphia, USA, using its 737 fleet, which will operate weekly.

The AA Director of Operations remarked: “We are proud to be the only US airline that will operate from four US hubs to Barbados and operate up to 30 weekly flights, a true milestone for our airline.”

Mr. Giraldo expressed appreciation to the team at AA, the Barbados Government, airport authorities, and its partners in the tourism industry for helping to make today a reality. He said he looks forward to continuing working with them towards the success of the service and the island’s tourism industry. (PR/GIS)

Tourism

CONVIASA INTRODUCES LARGER AIRCRAFT ON BARBADOS ROUTE, BOOSTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAVEL AND TRADE

The arrival of Conviasa Airlines’ Airbus A340-200 signals a major development in the air connectivity between Barbados and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Due to growing demand for travel on this route, the airline has upgraded to a larger aircraft, offering 250 seats—more than double the capacity of the previous Embraer 190, which accommodated just 100 passengers.

This transition to the Airbus A340, which arrived in Barbados on October 5th, was celebrated by a delegation led by Corey Garrett, Director of Latin America for the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). The introduction of this larger aircraft not only meets the rising demand but also enhances the scope for future travel, allowing for a significant increase in seat availability and visitor arrivals between the two nations.

Corey Garrett, BTMI’s Director of Latin America, underscored the significance of this development:
“The increased capacity of the Airbus A340 is a game-changer for Barbados. It presents an unprecedented opportunity to welcome more visitors from Venezuela and the wider Latin American market, further promoting our island’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Strengthening our connectivity with Venezuela opens new doors for economic growth, increased trade, and the deepening of cultural and business relations.”

More than just an aircraft upgrade, this change reflects the strengthening partnership between Barbados and Venezuela. The new Airbus A340 paves the way for Latin American travelers to enjoy easier access to Barbados’ rich cultural experiences, world-class beaches, and vibrant attractions. With more seats available, this route opens exciting possibilities for expanding tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the countries.

Economic Benefits

The shift to a larger aircraft brings with it a host of economic advantages for Barbados. The enhanced capacity opens up more opportunities for local businesses, offering greater exposure to the Latin American market and diversifying the island’s visitor base. Travelers from Venezuela can now enjoy seamless access to Barbados’ stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant festivals, including the upcoming Barbados Food and Rum Festival and the world-famous Crop Over Festival.

As Barbados continues to position itself as a key Caribbean hub, this increased connectivity with Venezuela signals a bright future for tourism growth, stronger trade relations, a deepened cultural exchange that will benefit both nations for years to come. (PR)

Caption: A delegation comprising of H.E. Aquinas Clarke, Ambassador of Barbados to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Director, Latin Caribbean, BTMI, Corey Garrett, welcomed the team from Conviasa Airlines.

Tourism

Food & Rum Festival Wins Culinary Award For Second Year Running

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival has once again claimed the prestigious title of the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival. The announcement was made at the 5th Annual World Culinary Awards held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The World Culinary Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in the culinary industry through its annual awards programme. World Culinary Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, itself inaugurated in 1994.

This marks the second year in a row that the festival has been recognised for its culinary excellence on the global stage. The award highlights the festival’s commitment to elevating the island’s diverse offerings while strengthening its tourism product.

Culinary Capital of the Caribbean

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) is the entity responsible for the production of the festival. Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin, noted that the annual Food and Rum festival, which showcases the island’s talented chefs and mixologists, continues to position Barbados as a leading destination for culinary experiences.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second consecutive year. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, from our talented chefs and mixologists to our partners and sponsors,” CEO Franklin stated.

She added: “This recognition not only celebrates our unique culinary heritage but also reinforces Barbados as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.”

Barbados Food and Rum Festival 2024

The 2024 edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival will be held from Thursday, October 24, to Sunday, October 27. Described as ‘the Ultimate Foodie Dream Weekend’, it promises to be even more enticing, with a dynamic lineup of culinary events, including Liquid Gold Feast, Rise & Rum Breakfast Beach Party, Rum Route, Chef Classics, Oistins Under the Stars, Culture of Cuisine Talks, and the first ever Rum Night. The festival will feature local and international culinary talent, as well as young aspiring chefs.

This year’s festival also included the family-oriented Bajan Fair, which was held yesterday.

Feed the Future

Under the theme “Feed the Future”, the festival’s goal is to invest in the next generation of culinary talent through the Junior Chef Cook-Off Competition. The competition creates developmental and training opportunities for young aspiring chefs as they compete against each other for the title of Junior Chef Champion.

This year, 21-year-old Omari Layne was the winner of the competition, receiving a scholarship for an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, an internship at one of Barbados’ premium fine dining restaurants, as well as BBD 3,000.

As the festival continues to grow, it remains a key ingredient in Barbados’ efforts to enhance its global appeal as a premier culinary destination. (PR/GIS)