BHTA forging linkages between sectors

The relationship between the agriculture and tourism sectors has improved.

So says CEO of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Rudy Grant, who was speaking to The Barbados Advocate at the Taste of the Caribbean Training Gourmet Lunch at Bajan Breeze, Divi Southwinds recently.

He pointed out, “We have a project that is presently ongoing. It is the IDB (Inter American Development Bank) Multilateral Investment Fund project. The purpose of that project is to strengthen linkages between agriculture and tourism. We are working closely with the Barbados Agriculture Society (BAS) as well as the Barbados Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) and that project is progressing well. We have 15 hotels as part of that project and we want to expand that to include restaurants etc…

“We recognise that such a linkage could assist greatly in further utilisation of Barbadian products, which will assist farmers. Also, this can lead to less demand on the importation of foreign produce, which will have an impact on foreign reserves. We are doing our part at the BHTA to strengthen the linkages between agriculture and tourism, we are taking action to facilitate these linkages.”

In terms of the development of the culinary niche in Barbados, the CEO stated, “While we are progressing well, it is important for us to continue to ensure that we put the necessary resources to facilitate the development in this area. Developing the niche to where we want it is a work in progress and therefore we have to continue on this road. The BHTA facilated last year the first Art of Cuisine and we intend to have that event in September 2018. The Art of Cuisine allows for an educational component in relation to culinary offerings. It allows as well full utilisation of Barbadian products, the chefs go out and go to different farms and look at the different produce they offer.

“The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has designated this year, the year of culinary experiences and I believe the BTMI has been focusing on that because they recognise this is a niche that can be further developed and enhanced.” (NB)