WELCOME TO BARBADOS! This little one had lots of fun interacting with this stilt-walker as the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA) hosted ‘Barbados Uh Come From’ marketplace for visitors. The marketplace, which stretched from Trevor’s Way to the Pelican Craft Centre provided the opportunity for thousands of cruise visitors to sample a variety of locally made items, from food, beauty products, arts and craft.
Bajan market display woos tourists
Thu, 03/17/2016 - 7:28pm
By:
Peta Rowe-Forde
Princess Alice Highway was a hive of activity yesterday as the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA) hosted the ‘Barbados Uh Come From’ marketplace for visitors to the island.
The marketplace, which stretched from Trevor’s Way to the Pelican Craft Centre, allowed visitors and locals to shop for 100 per cent local commodities. Whether it was food, beauty products, arts and craft or cigars; there was much to be consumed.
Speaking to Marsha Alleyne, Manager of the National Tourism Host Programme at the BTPA, she stated that this is not the first occurrence for the initiative; but it is the first time it was done on such a large scale. Alleyne further explained that the marketplace proves beneficial to locals and tourists, mainly because the former are given an avenue in which to display their goods and services for all to see and the latter gets a full taste of the ‘Bajan Experience’. Thus, it reinforces sustainable development for Barbadian businesses and tourists.
Accepting the opportunity given to them, 60 entrepreneurs assembled on the highway for what resembled the three-day Crop Over event, Bridgetown Market. One exhibitor expressed how excited she was when she heard about the initiative and has reported receiving moderate response from the visitors. On the other hand, some tourists reported being ‘blown away’ by the festivities that greeted them as they exited the Bridgetown Port.
While perusing the various stalls, tourists were thoroughly entertained by the captivating rhythms of the Tuk Band. They were also encouraged to participate in local games such as Warri, dominoes as well as X and O’s. Moreover, local tunes filled the air as two Disc Jockeys were stationed along the Highway, adding musical taste to the festivities.
However, Alleyne noted that this was only the beginning. Before the cruise season ends in April, there will be yet another ‘Barbados Uh Come From’ marketplace and it is expected to resume with the start of the new cruise season in November.