Tourism stakeholders get update on Thomas Cook Airlines

Various travel agencies, hoteliers and tourism marketing groups among others, gathered at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort to hear first-hand the updates regarding Thomas Cook Airlines from Head of Sales and Marketing of Condor for the Caribbean, Janet Gorecki-Mackanin.

 

Nevertheless, before offering her updates, Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Alvin Jemmott stated that the update was a timely one in his opening remarks as he expects as influx of European travellers. He spoke of the stellar performance which the industry enjoyed in long-stay arrivals last year, setting a record for the island; and disclosed that so far, the industry is enjoying a 5.5% increase.

 

Moreover, he placed great emphasis on the importance of the European market to Barbados, noting that airlift is increasing. In fact, On November 12, there is expected to be the inaugural flight from Munich. Added to that, flights from Frankfurt will be increasing from once a week to twice a week within the coming months. Therefore, Jemmott stated that Europe will continue to receive special attention in order to help grow the overall performance of the industry.

 

Taking to the podium next was Gorecki-Mackanin. She described the various aircrafts that the airline carries. The sunny heart logo found on both the Thomas Cook aircraft and the Condor aircraft, she says, represents the customers’ interests which they hold at heart. She went on to state that the Boeing 767 fleet is primarily what flies to Barbados but all aircrfats have been refurbished. 

 

Furthermore, she noted that more east bound and west bound flights were needed in order to sustain the airline; and so, very soon Barbados can expect three flights a week from Manchester, namely on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. 

 

Gorecki-Mackanin argues that the airline still has some of the best prices on the market and with good value, especially for business plans. In highlighting some of this value, she pointed to weight capacity of the aircraft, leg room on board, entertainment as well as available meals.  As she closed, Gorecki-Mackanin expressed her excitement to see the growing airlifts to Barbados, especially since out bound loads from Europe to Barbados have increased.