Travel trade and media partners welcome new Minister of Tourism and International Transport of Barbados The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill

Travelbiz Reporter, Marian Benton, was delighted to attend a cocktail reception in the Westbury Hotel at which Cheryl Carter from BTMI (Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc) introduced the Minister of Tourism and International Transport of Barbados The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, M.P. , Francine Blackman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Tourism and International Transport, and from BTMI, Shelly Williams, Chairman and Dr. Jens Thraenhart, CEO.

Cheryl welcomed consumer and trade media, trade partners and airline partner Aer Lingus, represented by Bill Byrne and Jenny Rafter, to this Ministerial Reception to meet the new Minister and solidify their commitment to the Irish market.

Minister Gooding-Edghill told us that he was appointed to his role in October last year and this is his first visit to Ireland.  He took the opportunity to thank Aer Lingus for their belief in Barbados.  They are now flying there 3 times per week via Manchester. BTMI will continue to support the Irish travel trade to ensure growth from here. They are aware of the challenges in not having a direct flight and hope that an increase in passengers will lead to this situation changing. There are several new, high-end hotels coming on stream and major investment in upgrading current stock. They are aware that creating the supply airlift is critical.

BTMI’s current strategy is to position Barbados as a 365-day destination and they are working to ensure they provide activities year-round. Barbados has a wealth of experiences and attractions spanning flora and fauna, history and heritage and soft adventure.

Barbados is the culinary capital of the Caribbean with everything from street food to world class restaurants. Every month will be a month of activities. The Sweetest Summer Festival takes place in July celebrating a 200 year old tradition marking the end of the sugar cane season – called the Crop Over. Other events include a Food and Rum Festival, a marathon and several test cricket matches. A Music Festival is also planned to bring diversity and add to the collective experience.