Tourism

SURINAM AIRWAYS MAKES INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO GAIA

The Surinam Airways flight PY331, piloted by Captain Miguel Jap, made its inaugural landing at the Grantley Adams International Airport this morning, and according to the airline’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Steven Gonesh, “Surinam Airways is here to stay!”.

Acting CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Craig Hinds, in his welcome to Barbados and Suriname government and airline officials and travel agents, said he was pleased to be a part of another inaugural, as Barbados’ winter season officially kicks into full swing.

Mr. Craig noted that the flight has created a gateway which would enable seamless connectivity among Suriname, Guyana, and Barbados.

He said it is part of BTMI’s overarching goal, which is to increase airlift to the island and the number of regional visitors. The Acting CEO added that this new service presents a great opportunity to accomplish this and more.

“This marks a significant milestone in regional travel and strengthens the bonds between Suriname, Guyana, and Barbados … and this new service is a crucial step towards achieving that. Suriname is an untapped market for Barbados and we believe this partnership will not only strengthen the ties between our countries but also present significant economic opportunities,” Mr. Craigg stated.

He gave the assurance that the team at the BTMI would be exploring all opportunities to make sure the flight is a success.

Suriname’s Director of Tourism, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Tourism, Rabin Boeddha, emphasised that the airline has been in operation for 61 years and brings a wealth of experience to the aviation industry.

He said tourism without connectivity is impossible, and to this end, the airline has “duly” responded to the need for increased and improved connectivity for people.

“This milestone also intensifies the bilateral relationship between Suriname and Barbados based on cordial ties in different areas, such as trade, tourism and hospitality, enhancing business, connecting people and further improved connectivity and access to other regional and North American destinations,” Mr. Boeddha said.

Acting CEO Gonesh noted that today marks the beginning of lots of opportunities for all three countries but especially for the airline.

“Today marks the beginning of lots of opportunities…. This new route, which was a request out of Barbados, but also on the planning for Surinam Airways, is another important step to promote the CARICOM spirit, create better connectivity and cooperation. It also supports the request of the Surinamese Government and the order was given to Surinam Airways to go spread your wings further and let us bring Surinam Airways to greater heights. I think we, step by step, are moving in the right direction,” Mr. Gonesh stated.

All parties extended special thanks to Barbados’ Special Envoy to Suriname, Alphea Wiggins, who was noted for working zealously behind the scenes to make the air service agreement and inaugural a reality.

An exchange of plaques and gifts between the delegations from Barbados and Suriname also took place during the welcome ceremony.

The Surinam Airways Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with 12 business, 42 premium economy and 96 economy seats, will provide two flights a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, from Paramaribo to Georgetown and Bridgetown. (PR/GIS)

Tourism

BARBADIAN REUBEN LEROY BROWNE NAMED GENERAL MANAGER AT WYNDHAM GRAND BARBADOS SAM LORDS CASTLE

Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle has appointed Barbadian Reuben Leroy Browne as General Manager of the all-inclusive luxury resort in St. Philip.

With over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry with major international brands across the Caribbean, Browne will be responsible for the hotel’s operations including enhancing guest experiences and revenue growth, while focusing on strategic planning, resource management and prioritizing environmental and social responsibility activities, among other tasks.

The new General Manager, who took up the post last month (October), said, “Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of getting to know our amazing team and exploring everything our beautiful resort has to offer. Our team is truly dedicated, and together we are committed to enhancing the guest experience as we approach the winter season.

“I’m proud to share that all of our resort’s food and beverage outlets are all operational, including the Mediterranean Restaurant for all-day dining, Sam Lords Grill, and our signature fine-dining venue, Castle View. Our Lucy’s Lounge, named in honor of Sam Lords’ wife, adds a unique touch to the resort, and we also have six well-appointed bars throughout the property to cater to our guests’ needs.”

He added that the spa, 24 hour gym and Kid’s Club are also functioning at full steam for both locals and visitors to utlise and said, “Our next steps will be to fill key vacancies starting with the Director of Sales and Marketing. We are also continuing our promotion of the property in key source markets at events such as World Travel Market in London, which our Revenue Manager attended earlier this month.”

Browne, who has a strong educational background from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and several management development programmes, most recently served as General Manager of an all-inclusive 294 suite property in Antigua.

Since starting his career in the industry in 1984, he has developed a successful track record in various leadership roles including Food and Beverage Manager, Operations Manager, Residence Manager, Director of Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at renowned hotels and resorts in Barbados and the region.

An active member in various professional associations including the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and past member of the Downtown Nassau Partnership, he also dedicates his time to charitable endeavors including the Optimist Club. (PR)

Caption: Barbadian Reuben Leroy Browne has been appointed General Manager of the all-inclusive Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle.

Tourism

BHTA BARBADOS NATIONAL CULINARY TEAM OFF TO TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN 2024

Members of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) Barbados National Culinary Team left the island last Saturday to compete in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean, which takes place in Miami from November 18 to 20.

They are Chef Rynaldo Joseph, Junior Chef Dejuan Toppin, Pastry Chef Rickeena Kirton and Mixologist Alex Chandler, along with Team Manager Adrian Cumberbatch, Assistant Team Manager Javon Cummins and Coaches Damian Leach and Rohan Hackshaw.

Cumberbatch noted that the team is ready to put their best plates and beverages forward: “There has been a lot of preparation over the past few weeks to get everyone ready for the competition. Our focus was on strengthening a number of areas ranging from time management to concepts and flavor profiles. After weeks of hard work and dedication I can confidently say that the team members are all ready to showcase their talent and skills and to make Barbados proud.”

BHTA’s Special Projects Manager, Tessalee Moore, who is among a BHTA contingent, including Chairman Javon Griffith and CEO Ryan Forde, attending Taste to support the team, explained that the Association was more than happy to be facilitating the process to get team Barbados to the prestigious event.

Caption: Members of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) Barbados National Culinary Team at the GAIA yesterday with BHTA CEO Ryan Forde (left) and Special Projects Manager Tessalee Moore (second from left) on the way to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean in Miami.

“We are extremely happy that Taste is back and that Barbados can attend and defend our title as Caribbean Team of the Year. But beyond that, for the BHTA, Taste is more than a competition. It is also a major training and developmental tool for our chefs and mixologists as it provides educational opportunities by way of seminars, workshops and demonstrations on the trends and emerging concepts in Food and Beverage.

“While we would love Team Barbados to bring home gold and the bragging rights as Team of the Year again, we equally want the members to gain from this experience in a way that will propel their careers and for them to willingly share their knowledge with their peers when they return. This is their opportunity to showcase their skills on an international platform and we want them to take full advantage of that opportunity.” (PR)

Tourism

EXPLORA 11 DOCKS FOR THE FIRST TIME

The Explora II docked at the Port of Bridgetown for the first time yesterday, bringing 427 passengers to the island’s shore.

During a plaque exchange ceremony on board the vessel, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding- Edghill, thanked Captain Serena Melani for guiding what he described as a “magnificent” ship into the Port of Bridgetown.

“We certainly want to thank you and your team on board, and certainly the executives at MSC, for taking the opportunity to continue to have the confidence in Barbados as a home port,” he said.

Captain of the vessel, Serena Melani, who was the first woman in cruise industry history to captain a new ocean cruise ship launch in February 2020, said it was “nice to be back”, and that she was happy to bring another vessel to the Barbados. She previously brought the Explora I to the island during the 2023-2024 winter season.

*Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding Edghill & Captain Serena Melani*

The Explora Journeys’ Explora II transatlantic cruise itinerary, which began in Barcelona, Spain, will make six homeporting visits to Barbados during the 2024-2025 winter season.

The next port of call for the cruise vessel is Fort-de-France, Martinique.

In addition to the Explora II, the Port of Bridgetown also welcomed the MSC Magnifica for the first time. Britannia P&O and Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas also docked yesterday, bringing a total of 8,000 visitors to the island. (PR/GIS)