Tourism players commended
THE tourism machinery of Barbados has received high praise from Prime Minister the Rt. Hon Freundel Stuart.
Speaking during a repeat visitor reception at the Prime Minister’s official residence Ilaro Court on Wednesday night, the Prime Minister commended the many players in the tourism sector for their contribution to Barbados’ economy, noting that it is the lead sector which pays most of the country’s bills. His comments also came against the backdrop of two consecutive record years of visitor arrivals on the island.
According to the Prime Minister, “We have a vested interest in ensuring that people visit this country and continue to visit since we want to make sure that we always have a solid tourism sector,” the Prime Minister said.
“It is important that the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) continues to market Barbados as a place to visit, to enjoy recreation, to do business and of course to socialise and enjoy all that we have on offer. I want to applaud the efforts of the BTMI in carrying out that mandate. How admirably, how adequately and how commendably they have been doing,” he pointed while stating that the marketing arm in particular has done a very good job of hitting the ground running.
Prime Minister Stuart cautioned however that even though Barbados is marketed effectively, there is scope for a ‘fatigue factor’ even in tourism, if visitors are forced to do and see the same attractions time and time again.
“Therefore the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA) was recreated and its functions separated from the marketing function to diversify our product offerings, so that in addition to the charm and warmth and hospitality of our people, that those cultural and culinary and other offerings that we want to put on offer can be appropriately diversified to keep the interest of those who visit Barbados up,” he further explained.
“[Therefore] the BTPA has been doing its part as well and we want to commend them for the stellar work which they have been doing in contributing to the solidification of our tourism sector.”
The Prime Minister also commended the hoteliers as he highlighted the healthy relationship which currently exists between the Government of Barbados and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.
He thanked the repeat visitors, which included a special group of two couples and three individuals, who racked up a total of 457 visits over the years, the least of which was 60 visits. He thanked them for their unflinching commitment to the island.
“Whenever I ask the magnet that keeps them coming, while they acknowledge the importance of sun, sea and sand, and while they acknowledge the
importance of attractive and commodious hotel plant and a high quality of service in our hotel plant, invariably they will say that what keeps them coming is the charm and hospitality of the people of Barbados. That is something at which we continue to work very hard,” he said.
(JH)