Barbados has initiated a strategic effort to enhance tourism from Canada, one of its key markets, through the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc’s (BTMI) Spirit of Barbados Mega Fam week-long familiarization tour. This initiative aims to provide leading Canadian travel agents with an immersive experience of the island’s accommodations, attractions, and cuisine, while highlighting its expanding infrastructure and improved air connectivity from Canada. The program is part of a broader push to capitalize on the anticipated record-breaking winter tourism season. Speaking at the launch event at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with airlines, particularly Air Canada, as a cornerstone of Barbados’ tourism success. He also revealed plans to expand connectivity with secondary Canadian markets, including Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Western Canada. To support this growth, major infrastructure projects are underway, including the modernization of Grantley Adams International Airport and upgrades to the Bridgetown Port, which will enhance passenger and cruise experiences. BTMI Director for Canada, Eusi Skeete, highlighted the importance of the Mega Fam tour in offering agents firsthand insights into Barbados, beyond traditional training and promotional materials. He noted that participants were selected based on their strong sales performance for Barbados this year, with the goal of further boosting winter and summer bookings. Skeete emphasized that the initiative is not just about increasing bookings but also about strengthening relationships with travel partners and creating new opportunities for Barbadian tourism stakeholders. By showcasing the island’s unique offerings, Barbados aims to solidify its position as a top destination for Canadian travelers.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Air Canada expands Barbados flights ahead of winter season
Barbados is set to experience a significant increase in air travel this winter as Air Canada enhances its services to the island, deploying its cutting-edge Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and expanding flight schedules from Toronto and Montreal. This strategic move underscores growing confidence in Barbados as a premier tourist destination.
Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, highlighted these developments during the launch of the Spirit of Barbados Mega Fam familiarisation tour at the Hilton Barbados Resort. He emphasized that the expanded airlift reflects strong confidence in the island’s tourism offerings and signals the beginning of what is expected to be a record-breaking winter season.
Air Canada will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Barbados route starting next Wednesday, well ahead of the traditional winter season. Known for its fuel efficiency, advanced cabin comfort, and extended range, the Dreamliner is one of the most modern aircraft in operation. The deployment of this aircraft will continue through April 30, 2025, significantly boosting airlift capacity and strengthening the partnership between Barbados and Air Canada.
In addition to the Dreamliner service, Air Canada will commence flights from Montreal on November 2, six weeks earlier than originally planned. The airline will also increase its Toronto-Barbados flights to nine weekly, including double frequencies on Fridays and Sundays during the peak winter travel period. These enhancements are expected to increase seat capacity by 16% for the upcoming season.
Gooding-Edghill noted that these commitments reflect Air Canada’s confidence in Barbados’ consistent year-on-year performance as a sought-after destination and the robust demand projected for the island this winter. He also revealed that Barbados is exploring opportunities to expand its reach across Canada, including new gateways in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, as well as the reintroduction of services from Western Canada.
The minister expressed Barbados’ ambition to establish year-round services from Montreal and introduce new routes from Ottawa and Halifax, ensuring direct connectivity to these regions. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Barbados as the most accessible destination in the southern Caribbean, offering visitors a seamless travel experience from takeoff to touchdown.
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Credit union model rooted in people, sustainability
As Barbados commemorates World Credit Union Day, the spotlight shines on the economic significance of the credit union movement, a sector whose value is firmly rooted in data rather than sentiment. Dr. Ankie Scott-Joseph, an economist at the University of the West Indies, underscores the pivotal role of credit unions in the nation’s financial stability. According to the 2024 Financial Stability Report, jointly published by the Central Bank of Barbados and the Financial Services Commission, credit unions collectively hold assets worth $3.66 billion, accounting for 10% of the financial system and 22.8% of the country’s GDP. This translates to nearly a quarter of Barbados’ annual economic output, highlighting their substantial contribution to national productivity.
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Psychiatric Hospital to host mental health fair & open day
The Psychiatric Hospital in Black Rock, St Michael, is set to organize a Mental Health Fair and Open Day on Friday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, themed ‘Community: Supporting Mental Wellbeing Together,’ aims to underscore the collective responsibility of fostering mental health. The initiative emphasizes creating a supportive environment, building authentic relationships, promoting open conversations, and enhancing community bonds. The public is encouraged to participate in this significant event, which will offer complimentary health screenings for blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, attendees can explore health product exhibits, sample various items, access educational resources, and join guided tours of the facility. This event serves as a platform to raise awareness about mental health and its integral role in overall wellbeing.
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Caddle defends government’s record on public consultation
Marsha Caddle, Chairperson of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and Member of Parliament, has robustly defended the government against accusations of sidelining public input in legislative processes. Speaking at the BLP headquarters on Roebuck Street ahead of the party’s 86th annual conference, Caddle emphasized that no previous administration has been as committed to incorporating Barbadians’ perspectives into national policy as the current Mia Mottley-led government. She highlighted the establishment of parliamentary standing committees as a testament to this commitment, ensuring that legislation is open to scrutiny by individuals, groups, and even the diaspora. Caddle’s remarks come in response to growing criticism over the government’s handling of recent bills, including the Interception of Communications Bill and the Tourist Accommodation Bill, which faced significant public backlash. Political scientist Devaron Bruce questioned the inclusivity of the consultation process, suggesting that it often favors supporters of the ruling party. However, Caddle countered that the government’s willingness to amend legislation reflects responsiveness rather than failure. She also pointed to the success of community engagement initiatives like Ideas Forums and Parish Speaks sessions as evidence of the public’s active participation in policy discussions. The theme of this year’s BLP conference, ‘When Labour Leads, We Bajans Succeed,’ underscores the party’s focus on inclusive governance and national progress.
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Fire Service equips stations to tackle electric vehicle, battery fires
The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has intensified its preparations to tackle the unique fire hazards posed by electric vehicles (EVs), equipping fire stations across the island with specialized tools and chemical additives. Fire Chief Errol Maynard disclosed that every station now has fire blankets designed to smother EV fires, along with F-500, a chemical additive that enhances water’s effectiveness in cooling and suppressing lithium-ion battery blazes.
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UWI home hydroponics, flies-to-feed projects ‘to help cut food bill, boost farming’
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable food security, the University of the West Indies (UWI) unveiled two cutting-edge agricultural initiatives on Thursday. These projects, developed by the UWI Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI), aim to reduce grocery bills for Barbadian households and lower production costs for small farmers. The launch coincided with World Food Day, highlighting the university’s commitment to modernizing agriculture and addressing food security challenges.
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PSV owners renew push for duty-free concessions
Public service vehicle (PSV) operators in Barbados are intensifying their appeals for the government to restart negotiations on long-awaited duty-free concessions. Roy Raphael, Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), emphasized on Thursday that the prolonged delay in providing financial relief is exacerbating safety risks for commuters and escalating maintenance costs for operators. Raphael highlighted that a significant portion of the vehicles currently in service are outdated, with some exceeding 40 years in age and 80% being over five years old. This aging fleet is leading to frequent mechanical failures and operational downtime, further straining the industry.
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Dodds Prison awaits $4m green light to expand farm operations
The Barbados Prison Service is poised to transform its agricultural operations at the Dodds prison farm in St. Philip, pending government approval of a $4 million budget allocation. Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne announced on Thursday that the funds would be used to significantly expand meat production and modernize the facility, aligning with the government’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency within 18 months. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on external suppliers and enhance food production capabilities. Currently, the farm produces chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and turkey, with plans to slaughter 67 pigs next month. Additionally, 90% of the arable land at Dodds is under cultivation, yielding crops such as sweet potatoes, yams, and cucumbers. The Prison Service recently supplied the Barbados Defence Force with 600 pounds of sweet potatoes and 150 pounds of cucumbers. The $4 million investment will also fund the construction of seven new chicken pens, each capable of housing 3,000 birds, with a long-term goal of producing 21,000 chickens to meet the needs of institutions like the School Meals Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the prison itself. In January, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus partnered with the Prison Service to launch a six-week agricultural training program. Conducted through UWI’s Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI), the program focuses on sustainable crop production, soil management, poultry care, and integrated farming systems. It aims to reduce food costs, support national food security, and provide inmates with practical skills for rehabilitation. Superintendent Payne emphasized that the farming program is a key component of a broader rehabilitative strategy, equipping inmates with agricultural and business expertise while contributing to institutional cost savings and national food security.
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Prison chief: More teens in Dodds Prison for serious crimes as average inmates’ age falls
Barbados is grappling with a troubling surge in youth crime, as highlighted by Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne in a recent interview with Barbados TODAY. Payne revealed that the age of convicted inmates is steadily decreasing, with more young males aged 15 to 25 being incarcerated for serious and violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms. He described this as a deeply concerning trend that reflects broader societal issues requiring a unified national response. Payne emphasized that the prison system is witnessing inmates as young as 15 or 16, with crimes becoming increasingly violent and often linked to robberies and gun-related offenses. Criminologist Kirk Alleyne echoed these concerns, noting a disturbing shift in behavior among youth, where violence is increasingly used to resolve interpersonal disputes rather than dialogue or mediation. Alleyne’s July report, ‘Confronting Violent Crime in Barbados,’ highlighted that retaliatory violence and escalation have become normalized. He also pointed to the growing accessibility of firearms to juveniles, which significantly increases their involvement in serious crimes such as armed robberies and shootings. Alleyne further warned of the evolution of gang activity, with informal street groups transforming into well-organized criminal networks resembling corporations. Barbados has recorded 34 homicides this year, with 31 occurring by the end of July. Despite these challenges, the Barbados Prison Service is implementing rehabilitative programs for both remanded and sentenced individuals, focusing on religious services, anger management, drug counseling, and vocational training. These initiatives aim to reduce reoffending and prepare young offenders for reintegration into society.