Barbados witnessed unprecedented tourism activity during its Tourism Week celebrations, with both air and sea ports experiencing historic passenger volumes. The island’s tourism sector demonstrated remarkable operational capacity as it welcomed thousands of visitors through coordinated hospitality initiatives.
At Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), Saturday marked the busiest day for commercial flights in recent history. CEO Hadley Bourne reported the arrival of 22 wide-body commercial aircraft, supplemented by six cargo flights and approximately 13 regional services. This air traffic surge translated to nearly 7,900 tourist passengers and an additional 2,000 air-to-sea passengers transitioning through the airport facilities.
Simultaneously, Bridgetown Port recorded an impressive influx on Friday, with over 10,000 cruise passengers disembarking from three major vessels: Arvia, Grand Princess, and Costa Pacifica. The cruise terminal transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring traditional tuk band performances and local culinary offerings.
The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) orchestrated special Visitor Appreciation Day activities across both ports. Arriving guests received warm welcomes featuring artisanal cocktails by mixologist Shane McCLean, complemented by local sweet treats and souvenir gifts. Departing travelers enjoyed farewell presentations from performers in traditional attire, with a roving photographer capturing final vacation moments.
Notable enhancements included musical performances by pianist Rhea Drakes in food court areas and a special appearance by cricket legend Joel Garner, who engaged with visitors through autograph sessions and photo opportunities. The event also featured an innovative multilingual volunteer program, with students from the University of the West Indies and Barbados Community College providing translation services and local guidance in German, Italian, French, and Spanish.
Airport authorities reported that pre-season equipment investments significantly improved operational efficiency during the peak period. Tourism officials expressed particular satisfaction with the robust arrivals from key source markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Caribbean neighbors.
The successful Tourism Week, held December 14-20 under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” concluded with these events, demonstrating effective collaboration between BTMI, educational institutions, and local communities.