As Barbados prepares for its peak tourist season, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has reintroduced its ‘Dine with a Bajan’ initiative, a community-based tourism program that invites visitors to enjoy authentic Bajan meals in the homes of local hosts. The relaunch event took place on Wednesday evening at the Cricket Legends of Barbados in Fontabelle, St. Michael, where attendees learned about the program’s details and its cultural significance. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, highlighted the initiative’s role in showcasing Barbados’ culture and hospitality while fostering local entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism practices. He emphasized that the program strengthens the Barbados brand by highlighting the island’s most valuable asset—its people. Visitors who participate in ‘Dine with a Bajan’ will experience genuine connections with their hosts, enjoying traditional dishes and stories that reflect the true spirit of Barbadian hospitality. BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin explained that hosts underwent a rigorous application process and participated in a two-day workshop covering health and safety, service excellence, storytelling, and culinary skills. The evening also featured a preview of the dishes prepared by Chef Creig Greenidge, offering a taste of what guests can expect. The first cohort of hosts includes Maria Joseph, Patricia Mash, Marie Alleyne, and others, alongside the Cricket Legends of Barbados. Hosts like Juliette Jeffers shared their motivations for joining the program, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they received upon relocating to Barbados. Julia Caine, General Manager of Cricket Legends of Barbados, added that guests dining at their venue will also enjoy insights into the island’s cricketing history. For updates, interested individuals can follow BTMI on social media platforms.