Digital transformation in focus during upcoming Tourism Week 2018

THE innovative opportunities that can be garnered through the use of digital technologies will be highlighted during Tourism Week 2018. This was revealed yesterday by Marsha Alleyne of the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA) during an official press launch held in the psychedelic and futuristic environs of the Warrens Entertainment Centre yesterday morning, which she noted was another one of the local product offerings which cater to millennials visiting the island. Alleyne explained that the activities, which begin on September 23 and end September 29, will seek to celebrate tourism workers and to shine the spotlight on the industry, which is an all-encompassing, all-embracing, inclusive industry. Under the theme “Tourism and the Digital Transformation”, Alleyne explained that digital advances are transforming not only how persons connect and inform themselves, but also the way in which business is done. “With the technological advances, tourism stakeholders can encourage the use of technology to foster innovation and it is my hope, in collaboration with our partners, that we take the industry to another level of economic sustainability while transforming habits and behaviours.” The week of activities has been moved from December to September to coincide with World Tourism Day, which is celebrated worldwide on September 27. Additionally, that period will provide opportunities for tourism workers, who were often unable to attend the events in December, since that period is the peak visitor season. “Our philosophy at the BTPA has always been ‘doing tourism differently’ and with this year’s Tourism Week, we are staying true to form. Having made the decision to embrace the theme from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’, we decided to mainstream the theme throughout the week starting with today’s (yesterday’s) press launch.” The activities will begin on September 23 with a church service at the St. John the Baptist Church, followed by a Road Runner broadcast. Events will continue on Wednesday, September 25 with the BTPA’s “Dine Around” programme where restaurants across the island will be offering specially discounted menus to residents of Barbados. The Barbados Workers’ Union will be spear-heading an event on September 25 and will also facilitate a lecture and training day at Solidarity House. The event includes a guest lecture on the theme “Tourism and the Digital Transformation”, as well as training sessions where web developers will be invited to showcase and display new technology to workers. This session will culminate with a mixology competition. In celebration of the Grantley Adams International Airport’s 80th anniversary on September 26, 80-year-old seniors will be invited to tour the airport and will be treated to lunch.  Following on and coinciding with World Tourism Day on September 27, a second Tourism Career Showcase will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Tourism stakeholders will host interactive booths of their tourism product or service to highlight career opportunities available within the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry in Barbados. “This is an opportunity for students, unemployed youth, entrepreneurs and the general public of Barbados to familiarise themselves with the tourism product,” Alleyne said. (JH)