Submitted by Glenroy Rice of Access Barbados
[Montreal Quebec, 5 April 2009] In an effort to stimulate the growth and continuous development of the Barbados Tourism Product from Canada, The Barbados Tourism Authority led by the Honorable Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy swooped down on Montreal on the fourth leg of a five city cross Canada marketing road tour last Thursday 2 April 2009. The Minister was accompanied by High Commissioner for Barbados to Canada His Excellency Evelyn Greaves, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Mr. Andrew Cox and Cristobel Reece councillor in the Office of the High Commission in Ottawa. Heading up the Canadian team was Ms. Cheryl Carter Senior Business Development officer for Canada.
In his address to travel partners and travel agents at the Mount Stephen Club, Minister Sealy told the Montreal audience that Barbados Tourism has gone beyond an industry and a business. It is now a part of Barbadians way of life. This he said is evident in the fact that the Oistins Fish Fry is now spreading to other areas in the community evoking a broader partnership in local experiences. This is a travel product that include; the participation of visitors to Barbados and provide enriching experiences that are highly valued. It is an opportunity to feel something different and do something different in a unique community environment.
The atmosphere of the economic times is rough and most airlines are facing difficulties including Air Canada. Recognizing the need for a more effective direct airlift from Montreal, Sealy said that Barbados has with-stood the challenges of 2008-2009 well and has not lost any seats. Figures show that Montreal is still holding its own. However, he said that one of the weaknesses is the lack of a direct airlift from Montreal year round. The minister indicated that his government is working on rectifying that problem.
According to Minister Sealy Barbados will continue to create a stronger awareness of its tourism experiences and how they are cherished by visitors to Barbados. He said the number one reason why tourist keep returning is because of its people, pointing out that Barbados has one of the highest repeat visitor-ship with over 40% in the Caribbean while Canada is one of the most loyal because of the quality of the product.
Historically Barbados opens its doors to all aspects of tourism, cultural exchange, and the increasing demand for international conference and business opportunities. Without a doubt, the diversity of its culture, climate and location broadens the experience of its visitors.
Minister Sealy said that his government will be spending more on the tourism product through a unique joint marketing project which includes the Barbadian Diaspora. Another aspect of his intensified drive is to formalize air lift agreements with Jet Blue during his visit to the United States in the coming days.
High commissioner His Excellency Evelyn Greaves in his opening address reflected on the concerns of previous negative experience where a visitor was murdered in Barbados He said that Barbados has security agents in place in all areas of concern. He assured the gathering that Barbados is still one of the safest places in the world to visit. The High Commissioner apologized for the incident and assured Canadians that they are welcome to continue visiting Barbados year round. Due to the high cost of fuel and the air lift, tourism has been affected from all destinations to Barbados. What’s more, he said that Barbados had a fall off of 8% in 2008 but is stabilizing through the efforts of the tourism authority, all its partners and travel agents.
The Canadian Marketing team headed-up by Cheryl Carter unveiled a new marketing package for 2009 to a mainly French audience. [‘SPRING AND FALL BARBADOS FREEDOM PACKAGE’] The package includes a Summer/Fall Barbados debit card, a Barbados gourmet card and a Barbados elite club incentive for travel counselors. Montreal representative Jill Elmslie said the board is expecting continued growth which is the key market segment, sending a message to consumers that Barbados remains one of the most sought out visitor destinations. The continual warmth of the sun and cooling tropical breezes lures visitors on gastronomic journeys that enliven the senses. Everything in Barbados is within reach she said, the cost of wine and food is as affordable dollar for dollar as in Canada. The core message is to sell, sell, sell and benefit from the rewards that are put in place by the Tourism Authority.
The new destination market branding is structured to enhance the tourism product and spur growth in all sectors of the tourism industry, with a strong focus on the value added needs of the visitors.
Sales agents and destination specialists were urged to go on line to www.barbadoseliteclub.ca and take advantage of the Barbados specialist program to become more aware of the Barbados product and be included among the Barbados Elite club.
In the final hour the Merrymen evoked memories of their younger days with a sterling performance. The band easily switched from traditional calypso to ballads, folk and Soca music.
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