BTPA hosts successful tourism parade

Culture was vibrantly displayed when the Tourism and Maritime Week 2017 came to a close yesterday, starting with a tourism parade through the streets of Barbados’ capital. It was one of the two signal events occurring on the day.

Tough the light morning showers did delay the annual parade, which was organised by the Barbados Tourism Product Authority’s (BTPA), it eventually moved off from Fontabelle and made its way to Independence Square.

Along the route, onlookers witnessed a spectacle, which included dancing by members of Dancin’ Africa and the Sun Shine Dancers as well as gymnastic presentations by troops from Blackman and Gollop Diamonds, Christ Church Green Stars Cheerleaders, CCFS Golden Panthers and the Princess Margaret Secondary School.

The float from Portvale Sugar Factory and the stunts by the green monkeys, shaggy bears and stilt walkers were captured by members of the public on their mobile devices for prosperity.

All eyes were on the Mother Sallies, who moved to the sounds played by the tuk band. Participants in traditional dress, the Barbados Cadet Corp band and those in large king and queen of the band costumes were also the centre of attention during the morning’s activity.

Chief Executive Officer of the BTPA, Dr. Kerry Hall described the parade as a success, though it rained. She said that on this occasion great attention was paid to have youth involved in the street parade.

“As you can see, the BTPA, we are putting a lot of focus on our youth and today there were a lot of young people in our band because we understand clearly that they are the future tourism leaders and if we don’t try to get into their minds and impress upon them and educate them and sensitise them on their role, the industry would not be sustainable because generation next, they are the ones who are going to take this industry to the next level.”

Dr. Hall further said that the BTPA will “continue to put on events like this every year because I know that once it resonates with the Barbadian society and community more and more people would want to get on board and I believe this is going to get bigger and bigger and more and more spectacular every year and the BTPA is committed to ensuring that we celebrate all of Barbados in our parade.”