Sandals key to Barbados achieving growth in tourism arrivals

THE establishment of Sandals Barbados contributed greatly to the country recording its highest tourism arrival figures ever in 2016.

 

That is the data coming from senior Tourism Consultant in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Hugh Foster, who revealed the statistics during his feature address at the company’s monthly Prestige Awards held recently.

 

Foster, a veteran of the tourism industry with over three decades of experience remarked, “Last year Barbados continued to smash arrival records. An estimated 630 000 long stay visitors enjoyed themselves in Barbados in 2016; the 2015 arrival numbers were also a record. We are on a streak and with your help [Sandals] we intend to make it a long winning streak.”

 

So impressed by these numbers, Foster revealed that in his personal view Barbados should be on a quest to achieve one million long stay arrivals and one million cruise ship passenger arrivals per annum, and believes with the presence of Sandals this can be achieved.

 

“The Government created the climate for investment and I can assure you that Government is pleased with the wonderful investment your employers have made in Barbados.

 

“As you know, further expansion is ongoing for which we are also grateful. We welcome Sandals’ mega commitment to our hotel plant – everyone is looking forward to the “Beaches” brand in the North,” added Foster.

 

Giving his full support to the Prestige Programme, the tourism official encouraged other hotels to follow suite in honouring their hard working staff: “Good service is non-negotiable in the tourism sector, anything less than best service practices for your guests is not an option. As frontline workers in the hospitality sector being genuine in the delivery of those core values is priceless. 

 

“Being genuine, being authentic is the mirror that reflects the best of Bajan values and indeed the best of Bajan culture. These qualities I am sure are displayed by all of you in this room especially to the guests at Sandals.”

 

General Manager, Fernand Zievinger, congratulated the 15 awardees for their hard work. He said, “I am extremely proud of all our staff and notably the winners here today. It is because of their dedication and belief in our company standards that we maintain such a high level of service.”

 

“The Sandals Prestige Awards Programme” is the company’s way of acknowledging outstanding team members monthly, in various aspects of the operation in categories such as the “Circle of Joy”, “Legendary Talent of the Month” and “Diamond Talent of the Month”.