“Barbados is the most British of the Caribbean islands, with a mesmerizing mixture of history, culture, prosperity, beauty, and sophisticated island life,” says Petra Roach, director, USA of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “Bajan pride echoes in every corner of our nation, from the local fish markets to the polo fields.” Moreover, 2016 was the country’s Golden Jubilee year, ushering in a series of events that accentuated that pride. “Independence anniversaries are extremely important to mark and celebrate…our impact on the international community,” declares Roach. “Anniversaries showcase how far we’ve come.”
Barbados offers agents the ability to create unique experiences for their clients in a safe and welcoming environment. We value the agent community and offer amazing rewards and incentives. And we take good care of agents’ clients, who come as guests but leave as friends.
– Petra Roach, Director, USA,
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
In 2016, she says, “our tourism industry made strides to increase visitor numbers by strengthening partnerships and promoting our country through one of the most important languages for cultural education, food!” New JetBlue Airways nonstops from Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and Newark contributed to “a 14 percent increase in arrivals over 2015, which had already had a 25 percent growth over 2014, further proving that Barbados is a favored destination among U.S. travelers.” Events such as the Crop Over Festival and the recently rebranded Barbados Food & Rum Festival, she notes, “continue to highlight our position as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, draw visitors to our sunny shores, and offer the authentic experiences today’s visitors are seeking.”
The energy of Barbados’ 50th is also reflected in a spurt of development. Highlights include the opening of Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Resorts, the upcoming debut of Sandals Royal Barbados and Sands Barbados, the 2018 opening of the five-star Sam Lord’s Castle Barbados: A Wyndham Grand Resort, and, in 2019, a new Hyatt in Bridgetown.
Barbados has something for every budget, but the island has a very upscale feel. It feels like home. You can drive around, and you’re not separated from the culture of the island. It’s for clients who are looking for a little bit more out of their destination.
– Gai Spann, Travel Agent,
Spanning the Globe Tours
“Barbados offers agents the ability to create unique experiences for their clients in a safe and welcoming environment,” says Roach. “As many travelers are now looking beyond the usual sun, sea and sand, we are well positioned to meet these needs by offering experiences such as aquatic adventures, polo lessons, heritage sites, culinary travel, and a thrilling Driving Experience in a Suzuki Swift or a Radical SR3 at Bushy Park Barbados, the Caribbean’s premier motor sport facility. We value the agent community and offer amazing rewards and incentives. And we take good care of agents’ clients, who come as guests but leave as friends.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Tel: 1 (246) 467-3600
E-mail: btmiusa@visitbarbados.org
Website: visitbarbados.org
