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Barbados Tourism Officials Smiling

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Caroline Wozniacki jet skiing in the beautiful waters of Barbados
Caroline Wozniacki jet skiing in the beautiful Barbados waters

These are times when the news both local and international is inundated with doom and gloom, obviously to do with the global recession. It was  a refreshing change yesterday to hear Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy celebrating the occasion of  Air Canada’s 60 years of air service between Barbados and Canada. As if that news was not enough Minister Sealy indicated tourist arrivals from Canada has increased! There was a time in the 70s when the Canadian market was the goto market for tourists. Whatever is the strategy being employed in the Canadian market, it is working.

On a related note, Serena Williams ranked #1 and Caroline Wozniacki ranked #4 were in Barbados to participate in a charity event last weekend. Based on all reports the event was largely successful, the organizers would have been happy with the turnout of 4000 people who jammed the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. Both players Wozniacki and Williams have given Barbados the destination the thumbs-up. Minister Sealy and his team at the Barbados Tourism Authority along with the sales people at the exclusive Sandy Lane must be smiling after reading what Wozniacki updated to her blog yesterday.

Until we change the fundamentals which support our economy we will take all the assists to come our way.

Read Wozniacki blog entry.

My Days in Barbados

Hi Everyone,

Now that I am back from Barbados, I thought you might like to hear about my trip. I spent 10 days there with my parents and my brother Patrick. We stayed at one of the most exclusive and beautiful resorts of the world, the Sandy Lane Hotel. We had the owner’s 5-bedroom penthouse suite with a butler and full time security. The suite was over 3000 square-feet, with a big jacuzzi in the living room. It was nothing short of amazing. The Sandy Lane Hotel has to be the nicest, most excusive hotel I have ever stayed at.

As I have mentioned in my last blog entry, I was in Barbados to play a one-weekend exhibition with my friend, Serena Williams. I have to admit, it went incredibly well; I was impressed with the job the promoter, Kodi Lewis and his team has done. They organized the exhibition for the 1st time, and I think this was the best 1st exhibition I ever participated in.

Serena and I had a great time; we played in front of 4000 people in the main gym in Bridgetown on Saturday. The crowd was loud and I could tell that they were really excited to have Serena and myself there, which I am grateful for.

I am glad I got to spend some time with Serena not only this past weekend, but over the past few years; and might add that we became pretty close friends. I have so much respect for her and what she has accomplished in her already legendary career. All young tennis players, including myself, owe a great deal to Venus and Serena for doing such a wonderful job promoting not only women’s tennis but women’s sports in general.

On Sunday, I joined Serena, Jeff Tarango and the #1 player from Barbados, Hayden Lewis in playing the 2nd exhibition in the Sugar Hill Tennis Village. This absolutely spectacular tennis-only club is owned by John and David Lloyd. We played mixed doubles in front of 400 VIP guests; I partnered with Hayden to beat Serena and Jeff in a very fun pro-set.

Other than that, I spent my time mostly on court training. I would like to send a special thanks to Hayden, who has been my hitting partner in Barbados; I appreciate your help. When I didn’t practice, me and my family were just hanging out on the beach. Patrick and I went out sailing on a boat but what I enjoyed the most is riding the jet-ski. Altogether, it was a great trip, and I miss Barbados already.

I’m now in Copenhagen, staying with my brother in his new apartment. I will be training and spending time with some of my girlfriends in town. Next Tuesday, I am flying to Herzo, Germany for a day to meet some of the Stella McCartney designers in the Adidas Headquarters. The new Stella McCartney tennis clothing line is coming out soon, and I am very excited to be able to offer some input regarding the new line. I love fashion, and meeting the fabulous designers of Stella McCartney and Adidas is something to look forward to.

I will update you soon on my week in Copenhagen and I will offer you some details regarding my day in the Adidas Headquarters as well.

Thanks for all your support,

Caroline

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145 responses to “Barbados Tourism Officials Smiling”

  1. Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados) Avatar
    Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados)

    @ Fair Play // December 9, 2009 at 4:54 PM
    For Dudus, the story is well documented in the Jamaican press, available online at http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com or http://www.jamaicaobserver.com.

    On financial difficulties, many sources give the story from various viewpoints. If you want the one most of the world has seen, read the various IMF staff reports, avialable at http://www.imf.org.

  2. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    Fair Play,this guy loves his homeland so much but refuses to live there, cannot get his countrymen to take his EXPERT ADVICE but lets his self appointed opinionated advice rain on we Barbadians, work that approach out for yourself.

  3. Play Fair Avatar
    Play Fair

    While he is the master or mistress of innuendo, who listens to the vanity that comes from Wishing in Vain? Does he have anyone who takes notice of him? Spending all day on blogs? Some life that.

  4. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    TOURIST (STOP-OVER) ARRIVALS AND CRUISE PASSENGER VISITS IN 2009
    Tourist Arrivals and Cruise Passenger Visits

    Destination Barbados Tourism arrivals Barbados Period Jan-Oct 2009 418,578 -10.8

    Now Cruise Passenger Visits Jan-Oct 470,245 5.7

    With the extremely storng showing of the arrival figures for Barbados During October, November and so far in December the expectation is for the summary of the Barbados effort to close off the year 2009 with a single digit shortfall, which really quite amazing when one looks at the overall shortfalls for The Bahamas at -13.8 %, Aguilla at -22.6 %, next door in Grenada at- 14.4 %, Mexico at – 15.6 %, The BVI at – 25 %, Bermuda at – 17 %.

    We in Barbados have a lot to be thankful for, we have a new keen and exciting Gov’t and an even keener young and energtic Minister of Tourism in Mr Richard Sealy MP and he is at the helm of the seaworthy ship Barbados and not like the former MM Blarney Lynch who would have it floundering on the reef having left the Autopilot on while he slept or did what ever he is known to do.

    Let me also say this is not my say so but the say so of the CTO
    http://www.onecaribbean.org/content/files/dec4Arrivals2009.pdf

  5. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    TOURIST (STOP-OVER) ARRIVALS AND CRUISE PASSENGER VISITS IN 2009

    Tourist Arrivals and Cruise Passenger Visits

    Destination Barbados Tourism arrivals Barbados Period Jan-Oct 2009 418,578 -10.8

    Now Cruise Passenger Visits Jan-Oct 470,245 5.7

    With the extremely strong showing of the arrival figures for Barbados During October, November and so far in December the expectation is for the summary of the Barbados effort to close off the year 2009 with a single digit shortfall, which really is quite an amazing feat when one looks at the overall shortfalls for The Bahamas at -13.8 %, Aguilla at -22.6 %, next door in Grenada at- 14.4 %, Mexico at – 15.6 %, The BVI at – 25 %, Bermuda at – 17 %.

    We in Barbados have a lot to be thankful for, we have a new keen and exciting Gov’t and an even keener young and energtic Minister of Tourism in Mr Richard Sealy MP and he is at the helm of the seaworthy ship Barbados and not like the former MM Blarney Lynch who would have it floundering on the reef off Whitepark Road, having left the Autopilot on while he slept or played or did what ever he is known and likes to do.

    Let me also say this is not my say so but the say so of the CTO
    http://www.onecaribbean.org/content/files/dec4Arrivals2009.pdf

  6. Donald Duck, Esq Avatar
    Donald Duck, Esq

    WIV

    The PS Tourism also said in public that for 2010 there will be a single digit decrease in arrivals as well.

  7. Donald Duck, Esq Avatar
    Donald Duck, Esq

    The 2008 accounts for clico balanced fund have now been released on the fund’s web site. Everyone should read note 2 of the accounts.

  8. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    107 responses so far ↓

    mash up & buy back // December 4, 2009 at 7:09 AM

    It’s time we had some positive news,and no more of that gloom and doom crap from one avinash persaud who calls himself a professor.

    He and mia and the BLP group must be so upset that the sky hasn’t fallen on Barbados head and despite what mottley is saying tourism is looking up for us.

    Wow.With patriotic citizens like them,who needs Osama Bin Laden!

    Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados) // December 4, 2009 at 7:57 AM

    There’s no doubt that the tennis players had a great time, and they want to come back. I wonder if the crowd was completely satisfied to have paid to see one set of tennis from the ’stars’ (tickets varied and I know some people who paid B$100/US$50), notwithstanding some other interesting tennis by the lesser players (Hadyn Lewis and Jeff Tarango). Who would not like to spend time in a Sandy Lane suite. Given that it cost as little as US$ 11/day to see all the ATP and WTF players perform at the US Open, was it such good value? Admitted it was a charity event.

    Will Kodi Lewis be giving an account of how the deal went for him and his group? It might have been a good financial success for them, but were their objectives met and who will benefit? What has it really done to boost tourism (sport or otherwise) this year or in the future? How is it supposed to help? How does it go to offset the critical views recently aired of those who come from overseas to try to arrange sporting events in Barbados?

    Just food for thought.

    mash up & buy back // December 4, 2009 at 8:25 AM

    BU

    Is this the type of publicity we want for Barbados.

    Listen to this tape from rhianna discussing one night stands and how she prefers men with big penises etc.

    You would think the thompson administration would quietly just remove that ambassadorship from that girl.

    Common and low indeed!

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    RiRi was on BLI in the Morning yesterday where she confirmed every diminutive dude’s worst fear: For her, bigger is better.

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    RiRi, NeNe, Queen & Beyonce Flip Out
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    Tags: rihanna, size queen, SizeQueen

    Comments [39] SHARE |

    Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/04/rihanna-size-queen-radio-audio/#ixzz0YipyPn68

    Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados) // December 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM

    Fittingly, next week, December 6-12, will be Tourism Week in Barbados, see http://www.gisbarbados.gov.bb/index.php?categoryid=15&p2_articleid=2864, for detail of programme. The theme: “Achieving Success through Service Excellence”.

    ‘The Equalizer’ // December 4, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    The Canadians NOT sMIliNG though!! Cause of the Attacks on Canadians by Bajan lawless dogs ,, Killing of a canadian woman on the beach and a canadian boy who was defending himself against a bunch of ——-!!!They had to stab him to beat him and KILLED him !!! Wonder if any will come to justice or they just like to Trump up charges when they get a WHITE man or Guyaneese!!!! HHHMMMM , Barbados U Will get YOURS !!!!

    ‘The Equalizer’ // December 4, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    Went into a bar at the bottom of ACCRA beach that use to be called Sugar Reef ! I was very surprised to find 2 eastern European women working this bar and when asked them what their accent was they just lied and said they were bajan to which I replied ‘NOT with an ACCENT lIKE That u R not!!! My friend said ‘ U mean U married a bajan’ They then started to be Rude and telling me I been away too long !!! This will ruin Barbados ..When people come to Barbados they want to hear Bajan accent especially on the beaches and in Beach bars !!! YA THINK!!!!!

    Wishing In Vain // December 4, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    Some excellent work being done by the DLP, the Minister of Tourism and his team of people, not to forget the role the Prime Minister The Hon Mr David Thompson QC has played he has been very involved in full support of his Minister of Tourism Mr Richard Sealy.

    With USA arrival figures up by 40 % and the Canadian figures up 37 % up to the 14 th of Nov The Minister Mr Richard Sealy has much to be pleased about and can take a pat on the back for his good work in his Ministry, Nov 2009 figures are racing ahead of Nov 2008 arrival figures.

    All I will say is that I am grateful that Minister Sealy and the DLP are at the helm in these troubling times and not MM Blarney Lynch who over saw a massive event such as CWC to a doomed failure and then by the next year the new Minister Richard Sealy led the country to the biggest ever spend in tourism dollars in Barbados in 2008.

    peltdownman // December 4, 2009 at 9:57 AM

    WIV
    37% increase on 10 is 3.7, i.e. percentage increases mean nothing without a base figure to work from.

    Alex Fergusson // December 4, 2009 at 10:10 AM

    WHY ARE CANADIANS COMING TO BARBADOS?

    SECONDLY, EXACTLY WHAT DID THE DLP BUILD, REPAIRED OR ADDED TO THE BARBADOS TOURISM PRODUCT – TO INFLUENCE THEY COMING?

    Donald Duck, Esq // December 4, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    WIV

    Why then with the increase in numbers the PS Tourism says we may realise a further decline of 5% next year in arrivals?

    Bring some sensible thought to the table, this maybe a struggle for you Greenidge but your first post makes no reference to single digit declines actually you clearly attempt to mislead people with your nonsense post above, waste of space you are a waste of space.

  9. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    David the post above was an error when I attempted to highlight his comments the others got collected in error as well. my apologies.

    Why then with the increase in numbers the PS Tourism says we may realise a further decline of 5% next year in arrivals?

    Bring some sensible thought to the table, this maybe a struggle for you Greenidge but your first post makes no reference to single digit declines actually you clearly attempt to mislead people with your nonsense post above, waste of space you are a waste of space.

  10. Foot In Mouth Avatar
    Foot In Mouth

    Wishing in Vain, I want to follow your line in familiarity and just call you Vain. So much uninformed commentary from one source makes you an embarrassment.

    Your little jig what will happen to tourism ended with “Let me also say this is not my say so but the say so of the CTO
    http://www.onecaribbean.org/content/files/dec4Arrivals2009.pdf“, but Riley has never said “With the extremely strong showing of the arrival figures for Barbados During October, November and so far in December the expectation is for the summary of the Barbados effort to close off the year 2009 with a single digit shortfall”. Those appear to be your words and you want to dress them up as those of a regional official. Naughty! Riley and CTO produced figures that Jones already pointed to and you seem to want to regard as another set “wishing ill on Barbados”. Reading your efforts I see you must have been talking about yourself as ‘This is either a compulsive liar at work or a most stupid idiot’.

    You run from Halsall and Jones when they show that you know nothing and write much. But we have to ove how you dig the holes to jump into so well. Look under your feet and smell what you are standing in.

  11. art Avatar
    art

    From last governbment we were counting the same people twice in the port and everyone was afraid, exceptiong for Loveridge, to point it out.

    The transfer boats bring arrivals but they don’t spend anything here. They just go to and from the airport on buses.

    We need to quantify and rely upon the spend in cash per arrival in order to better understand. The news is not good but it’s both of your faults for not addressing it when it was a smaller problem.

    Now it’s just name calling and finger pointing as Rome burns and we hear the train coming.

    Have to frighten for the future when you hear this game.

  12. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    There is hope. Winter storms blasting the US and Canada.

    A lot of us will be following the geese.

  13. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    I wonder if anyone has broken down the quoted $100 million (US$ or BDS$) loss in tourism receipts in the first seven months of 2009?

    Was it due to massive discounting, reduced visitor spending, shorter stays, less long stay visitors (but increased cruise passengers) or a combination of all of these.

    It would just be so helpfull to know the breakdown.

  14. Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados) Avatar
    Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados)

    @ Adrian Loveridge // December 10, 2009 at 11:40 AM “I wonder if anyone has broken down the quoted $100 million (US$ or BDS$) loss in tourism receipts in the first seven months of 2009?”
    [As a practiotioner, does the BHTA not share its ‘data’ with the industry operators?]

  15. Alex Fergusson Avatar
    Alex Fergusson

    TOURISM REVENUE was down by more than BDS$100 million during the first seven months of this year.

    Executive vice-president of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, Sue Springer, made this revelation during the organisation’s fourth quarterly meeting at Hilton Barbados yesterday.

    In her administrative review, she noted that from January until the first week in November, long-stay arrivals decreased by 10.5 per cent.

    Source: Today’s Nation Newspaper
    +++++++++++++++++

    Again I ask: which tourism officials are smiling? Seems like the only one smiling is hartley henry at being able to collect $155,000 every year for doing a part-time job.

    DAY AFTER DAY – YET ANOTHER IN A NEVER ENDING SERIES OF DLP LIES, ARE EXPOSED.

  16. Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados) Avatar
    Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados)

    @ Wishing In Vain // December 4, 2009 at 10:51 AM “PS Tourism says we may realise a further decline of 5% next year in arrivals.

    Do you know who the PS is ??” [Yes. Now moving on. Let’s go with what the paid official is reported to have said, Advocate Dec 3, p31, “Despite an expected overall drop in tourism arrivals of between 9 to 10 percent for 2009…” In other words, the first 10 month trend is expected to hold to year end. “..the decline will be relegated to at least 5 percent or…growth of 2 percent next year”. So, the government’s official view is clear.]

  17. David Avatar
    David

    Does anyone have any current information on Bacassa Dvelopments, particularly their development at Black Bess, St Peter?

    Have Banyan Tree pulled out of the hotel development?

    Have Bacassa gone bust?

  18. Fair Play Avatar
    Fair Play

    To all you economic gurus. What is the big thing about the decline in tourism in Barbados? It decline all over the world.
    To the average person with no political axe to grind, the world is in recession and fewer people are travelling because they are taking care of their needs.
    Barbados is a lovely island which some tourists love but there are staying at home or going to cheaper destinations which are closer to them. That makes economic sense.
    Barbados is not alone in the battle my friends get real. Here is big lovely country with more publicity than any other Caribbean country ever gets.
    Tourism is up in Jamaica but a headline in today’s Observer reads
    CASH CRUNCH HITS GOV’T
    $18-b revenue shortfall forces tightening of duty waivers
    “All categories of revenue are performing below projection as the decline in the economy has continued due to the world recession,” Information Minister Daryl Vaz said in sober tones as he updated journalists at the Post Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
    Describing the country’s fiscal situation as a “great concern to the Government”, Vaz said that total revenue for the first seven months of the fiscal year 2009/2010 was $156.5 billion, which 10.2 per cent or $17.8 billion below budget.
    The information minister also reported that total expenditure for the similar period was $235.5 billion, which amounted to $7.2 billion or three per cent less than budget.
    To all you Bajans and those other Caribbean nationals who are living here why keep ramming down our throats silly arguments about which the Government of Barbados has no control.
    Government has some control on what happens on December 26 and 27 when five cruise ships visit the Bridgetown port. They can use moral suasion to ask Barbadians who are involved in the service industries to go to work so that we can maximize any foreign exchange that can be made that day.
    The Prime Minister must speak to Barbadians in a more forceful way to get them to understand that things are tight and will get tighter and we can only continue living this large if productivity increases, grow more food while cutting down our food import bill and take a break from some of those luxury items for a year which only uses up foreign exchange.
    I am giving my little suggestions on how Barbados can get through 2010 without too many hardships. David maybe you should start a suggestion board. Maybe Dennis Jones and Alex would contribute some useful advice to the government.

  19. David Avatar
    David

    Thanks Fairplay, the suggestion box page has been added at the top of the BU page.

  20. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    Adrian Loveridge, It appears to me that the combined tag team of Capaldi / Springer have not waited to secure CTO data to make a point, someone suggested that Springer has assumed that there is a $ 100 Mill loss of profit because the combined Tourism Relief Fund amounted to some figure maybe near to this, all I will say is that the figure is not factual or real and neither of them nor the Ministry of Tourism have the Tourism Spending figures for the year as they are not available as I would like to advise Capaldi / Springer the year is yet to come to and end.

    It is also good to know that the shortfall for arrivals has once again be reduced and now stands at 9. 7 % and dropping, so once again I say congrats to Team Barbados Tourism.

  21. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    Wishing in Vain,

    Does the ‘9.7%’ figure include cruise ship passenger arrivals?

    What is the delay in releasing the November figures?

    And as you appear to be very well connected, what were the long stay visitor arrival numbers from the United States in October 2009?
    I did ask the BTA, VP of Americas, ag, but have not got a response yet.

  22. Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados) Avatar
    Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados)

    @ Fair Play // December 10, 2009 at 9:40 PM “To all you economic gurus. What is the big thing about the decline in tourism in Barbados? It decline all over the world.
    To the average person with no political axe to grind, the world is in recession and fewer people are travelling because they are taking care of their needs.”[For countries like Barbados, who are dependent on tourism the decline is critical because of the impact on the overall economy. Without citing the precise figures, we should know the importance of tourism for GDP, jobs, tax revenue, demand for goods and services, etc. Its decline drags down considerably many other activities. The problem is less the immediate cause–the recession–but more whether a global upturn will be enough to revive the sector. This is an unknown. I admit that my concerns are about whether hotels and restaurants closed and jobs lost will come back just because the world starts to grow again. I fear not, or not to the same degree. Why? The recession has exposed certain important weaknesses which in a more competitive world may pinch more. I mean quality of service and variety of product, in particular. Barbados needs to offer more and at best value to continue to compete. In that vein, there has been a clear recognition within the sector and also at the government level that ‘service excellence’ is going to be a key driver to future success–not only in tourism but across the whole economy.

    Ironically, repeat visitors can be seen as less of a benefit. Much tourist spending depends on novelty factors. How many “I love Barbados” tee shirts does a person need? The repeat visitors know the island and know too where to go to get best bargains, or even know to not spend much here (bringing stuff from home). They give a particular hotel stability, but to my mind give less bang for the buck than the same number of fresh new tourists.]

    “The Prime Minister must speak to Barbadians in a more forceful way to get them to understand that things are tight and will get tighter and we can only continue living this large if productivity increases, grow more food while cutting down our food import bill and take a break from some of those luxury items for a year which only uses up foreign exchange.
    I am giving my little suggestions on how Barbados can get through 2010 without too many hardships.” [The first part is spot on. But, ‘through 2010 without too many hardships’ poses a problem. It suggests that there is a known (time) limit to the sacrifice needed, and really the country wants to move through this period without much discomfort. If I ministerpret, I stand corrected.]

  23. Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados) Avatar
    Dennis Jones (aka Living in Barbados)

    To put Caribbean/small country tourism [critical for economic survival, and maybe the major part of the economy] into perspective with what it means in developed/large countries [maybe important, but part of a much more diverse economy], read the NY Times report of a shoot out in Times Square yesterday, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/nyregion/11midtown.html. Put a similar story into the heart of one of our tourists destinations and imagine what the impact will be. NY carried on regardless.

  24. ac Avatar
    ac

    Along with your suggestions on BU .You can also write to The Minister Of Tourisim or The Barbados Tourist Board . Any one can criticise, however real action is necessary is to make improvement .This is your government let them know what you think. Let them know that you love this country and is willing to do your part .

  25. David Avatar
    David

    Agree with those above who question the confusion which dogs the tourist statistics for Barbados. If the tourism sector is our key productive sector than commonsense dictates our measurements/analysis should be as finely tuned as possible. Barbados is a country known for its educational system achievements as a result of it; the ongoing debate about the veracity of our tourism numbers coming from multiple sources is a source of embarrassment. Many of those sources are  seen being authoritative which has obviously created the confusion in the public domain. Our politicians continue to revel in the obfuscation of misinformation. We could go back to the CWC fiasco.

  26. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    what were the long stay visitor arrival numbers from the United States in October 2009, I seem to recall hearing that they were up 37 % for October Mr Loveridge.

  27. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    David one of our real problems may even start with the data collection from ED cards some of the questions are not relevant in 2009 and questions could be placed there that will have more inportance to Barbados for forward planning.

    Certainly the remark by Springer yesterday is baseless when they are no known figures to work with.

  28. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    Mr. Wishing in Vain,

    Thats what I am trying to establish.

    In 2008 we welcomed 131,795 US long stay visitors.

    By the end of September, we were down around 16,000 from the US.

    According to the CTO between January-October (2009) we welcomed 95,533
    US long stay visitors, so we need another 36,262 American visitors in November and December to EQUAL 2008.

    I am not sure where the 37% comes in.

    Increased air capacity from the US in
    November was 6,712 seats (4,500 JetBlue and 2,212 US Airways) and for December 7,750 seats (4,650 JetBlue and 3,100 US Airways) plus 4 rotations with Delta.

    Do you have the arrival figures for November?

  29. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Is Mr. Loveridge trying to say that, given the 36,000+ deficit, even with the increased seat capacity the 37% increase claim is questionable?

  30. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    Enuff,

    I am just trying to establish the TRUTH!
    The US market has not shown any credible growth (average 1.3% annually over the last six years) and then suddenly you put another 80,000 airline seats into the equation.
    I hope JetBlue and the return of US Airways (Philadelphia) and Delta have driven NEW business and that we simply havn’t watered down the existing airlift.
    Hopefully, when the November arrival figures are released, we will be able to better judge.

  31. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    We are all seeking the truth….I hope.

  32. Alex Fergusson Avatar
    Alex Fergusson

    The time for partisan politics and grandstanding in the approach to how we solve our problems as a nation has long since past.

    It is now more urgent than ever that the Government recognizes its shortcomings and gets the help it needs to get our beloved Barbados back on track.

    It is time to stop the mixed messages that drove foreign investment from our shores.

  33. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    Adrian, My very kind and hardworking contact at the BTA was so kind as to furnish me with some details of the arrival summary as follows-:

    Cruise ship arrivals for October 2008 stood at 14,404 persons in October 2009 we saw this number rise to 26,988 an increase of 12,584 person in percentage terms an increase of 87.4 % increase between October 2008 and October 2009.

    This was along with increase in Cruise Ship Calls from 9 in Oct 2008 to 14 in Oct 2009 an increase of 55.6 %

    Let us move onto Long stay arrivals from the USA for November 2008 saw 8859 persons visiting Barbados from the USA in Nov 2009 we saw 11,787 arriving in Barbados an increase of 2928 persons yielding an increase of 33.1 % points.

    USA Market for long stay arrivals for October 2008 saw 7510 persons visiting Barbados from the USA, in October 2009 we saw 10319 arriving in Barbados an increase of 2809 persons yielding an increase of 37.4 % points.

    If we look at the performance of the Canadian market we see the following, for November 2008 we saw 5594 persons visiting Barbados from Canada in November 2009 we saw 7273 arriving in Barbados an increase of 1679 persons yielding an increase of 30.0 % points.

    The Canadian Market for long stay arrivals for October 2008 saw 2573 persons visiting Barbados from Canada in October 2008 we saw 2579 arriving in Barbados an increase of 6 persons yielding an increase of .2 points, bearing in mind that this was prior to effect of the West Jet service as it had not resumed service as yet in October.

    Also of note is the growth of the German market of 13.9 % where I read that they have only recently appointed a VP of Sales and Marketing to attend to the European Travel Market.

    I hope that this sheds some light on what took place during the months of October and November with the new airlift taking effect.

    I have found getting information out of the BTA a dream since MM BLARNEY LYNCH HAS been booted out and with one call to the right people there it is information at your finger tips, try it sometime it works.

  34. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    Thank You Wishing in Vain,

    If that 11,787 US long stay visitor arrival figure for November is accurate, then it appears we are making some progress.

    Barbados added 6,622 new airline seats from the US in November.

    US long stay visitor arrivals increased by 2,928 in November , so if they ALL flew JetBlue or US Airways it means that almost 44.2% of the those new seats were sold.

    If they did not, then of course, airlines that already operate from the US have seen loads reduced.

    We are still down 24,475 long stay US visitors so far for this year when compared to the full year in 2008, so lets hope December is going to be a bumper month.

  35. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    Adrian you asked for information and information was provided by the
    CTO figures not the Minister’s figures not the Ministry figures not the BTA figures, so they are accurate as anything ever published other that the CWC figures which we all know what happened there.

    Like you said we are still behind the total arrival figures but it seems that the effort of the Minister and his team is paying off and we are seeing some positives with the industry, depite Capaldi and Springer’s moaning and groaning, funny enough Capaldi’s in laws own and run a hotel so one would have expected some logic spilling out of his mouth but sadly even with his 94 % occupancy levels starting from next week he is not positive or pleased, maybe MM BLARNEY LYNCH told him to take a negative stance who knows.

    The airport and seaports are busy and Barbadians should be very, very pleased, with the effort of all the players.

    I was told that the intensity that this season is viewed with from the Min Sealy, Min Walters, Min Hutson and the entire cabinet, that Mr Walters took time out from his schedule yesterday to attend the airport at its peak period to witness the effectiveness of his Immigration offices at work at peak time, he is to be congratulated and complimented for taking such an active and involved role in his Ministry, I am told that the report was very good that within 1/2 an hour of arrival every passenger was cleared thru Immigration, this is really a very timely process and I would like to commend the Minister’s of Immigration , GAIA and Tourism and all the staff of the Immigration office for a very Hands on and a very positive upbeat outlook to manage the chief revenue earner for this island, our Tourism product.

  36. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    WIV either does not understand statistics or has attempted to manipulate the numbers to support his position and agenda on the blog. Firstly, statistics are not presented in a vacuum. Therefore, WIV you can’t boast about how well the INDUSTRY is doing and only post stats comparing October and November 2008 and 2009. It is even more insulting when conspicuously absent is 2007 when cruise ship passenger numbers were 31, 852 and 93, 544 respectively. The fallacy of this approach is clear with figures still nearly 25,000 of from 2008 and 28,000 for 2007 despite the % increases you proclaim. Furthermore what were the profiles of these visitors i.e. where did they stay, how much spent etc. It was only this week that a BHTA official said that visitor spend was down $100M.

    In addition, if Mr. Loveridge’s stats regarding the number of added seats are correct then there is nothing to boast about. Out of an additional 6, 622 seats arrivals are up by only 2, 928 for the month and still 24, 475 off last year’s total. This is in spite of increased spend in marketing and the introduction of a low budget airline, and I am aware that there is a recession. These flights are either near empty or have cannibalised AA.

    WIV you may continue comparing last year’s months to 2009, but the ANNUAL, not monthly, is what counts; and based on the numbers you have presented tourism will be down again this year

  37. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    Keep a cool tool Enuff Greenidge, don’t get too upset because the people kicked out the height of arrogance MM BLARNEY LYNCH and your party.

    Your voice is an empty nothing voice of BLP malice and discontent, what you could have or may have done is all a thing of the past, the Barbadian saw through your corruption and dishonesty and dismissed you for running the affairs of the people, you and your lot of thieves are a discredited bunch of CROOKS, example ask Lynch how he managed to purchase the plantation home he now owns?? It was after committing Barbadians to a monster committment to pay Carnival Cruise lines multi millions in exchange for his share back from them for his personal bank account.

    Please don’t come to BU to give your warped and BLP distorted advice remember we know you to be a very corrupted and dishonest gang of crooks.

    Under which ever name you choose you are still known as the sad case of Sylvan Greenidge the Paro In A Suit.

  38. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    WIV why do you accuse everyone of being this Greenidge gentleman? Anyone with a modicum of sense can see a clear difference between my style of writing and those people you call ‘paro in a suit, ‘pimp’, ‘sylvan greenidge’ etc.

    Unlike you, I don’t have multiple personalities. I do recall the people over at BFP calling you out for being WIV/Mottley Crew/Hartley Henry and a few other names.

    Rather than attempt to categorise me as a political yardfowl, you, as a self-proclaimed spokesman for the government with access to insider facts, gossip and stories, should prove my argument wrong.

  39. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    On the matter of BFP as you will notice that site is a dying one, with very few inputs now, as David can confirm to you that Wishing In Vain is the same person now as it was three years ago, the person is the same the message is the same you and your party were the most corrupt known to governance in Barbados, so your point is mute.

    You have no argument hence there is no need for discussion.

  40. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    DLP Column:Tourism – Working for Barbados

    Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy and his team are to be commended for seeking to mitigate the fall out from the drop in tourist arrivals.

    The tourist industry in Barbados has been holding its own despite the global slowdown in travel. The latest statistics coming out of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation points to a decline of just over ten percentage points in arrivals for our country. When one looks at the overall shortfalls for the Bahamas at 13.8 per cent; Anguilla at 22.6 per cent; next door in Grenada at 14.4 per cent; Mexico at 15.6 per cent; The British Virgin Islands at 25 per cent; and Bermuda at 17 per cent, comparatively speaking our team has been doing a tremendous job at keeping the ship afloat.

    According to the Barbados Tourism and Hotel Association (BHTA) Executive Vice President, Sue Springer, cruise passenger arrivals have shown an increase of 6.7 per cent at the end of October 2009.

    Additionally, the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has placed some emphasis on recapturing our Canadian market, and in this vein, we have seen steady growth in this area.

    At a recent ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of Air Canada’s relationship with our country, the Manager of Customer Services remarked that the “bookings have been extremely good” out of Toronto and Montreal for March next year. The airline is presently offering nine flights out of Toronto and two from Montreal. This, however, will see increased capacity by the introduction of an air bus that will be accommodating an additional 65 persons for the whole month of March 2010. This development was praised by the executive vice president of the BHTA, who indicated in some recent remarks about how proud she was about the “amazing air lift” that Barbados was enjoying.

    Springer was also quick to commend the construction and expansion of resorts, residences and the effort to develop the island’s attractions and restaurants.

    Barbadians, too, are responding in a concerted way to the challenges that confront our tourism sector. This combined effort is testimony to the resilient effort of our people as we hold hands and navigate the worldwide economic crisis.

    The global melt down has not neutralised this Administration or cast us into a sense of despair; instead we have sought to innovate. This idea generated by our Prime Minister David Thompson that we reach out to the Diaspora has been given some life. The recent launch of the Barbados Friends and Family programme has been a breath of fresh air as we seek to reconnect with our people. The initiative in a short space of time has been able to sign up some 300-plus persons.

    The tourism industry, under the mantle of Minister Richard Sealy, has sought to reposition the island’s product by seeking out the relevant competencies to make the difference.

    There can be no doubt that the placing of David Rice, a well qualified Barbadian, at the helm of the Barbados Tourism Authority has been received very well by his peers at that organisation. The restructuring programme is well on its way as we seek to maintain and expand our market share. The work of the Minister and his team has begun to pay dividends. We are not out of the woods
    as yet, but we are confident that with Minister Sealy at the helm, we shall make it to the end.

    We wish those thousands of workers in this vital industry well and join with them as they celebrate their Tourism Week and embark on what is expected to be a good Winter Season. Happy Holidays!

  41. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    One error of this article is that the figure now stands at 9.7 % down and is well below the budgeted expectations and is below 10 % as stated in this article.

  42. david baer Avatar
    david baer

    . Its all about chasing shadows.
    By that I mean latching on to this or that latest, most innovative idea that some self styled money making guru has put out in the hope it’ll go viral and make them a lot of money off the backs of all the headless chickens who will follow them blindly down a blind alley. Its a shame but a truism nonetheless that people will follow where someone they see as an expert leads. Even if they lead them to certain disaster, which is what most of the gurus tend to do to their flocks.
    The trick is to recognize a shadow when you see it!

    http://www.onlineuniversalwork.com

  43. mash up & buy back Avatar
    mash up & buy back

    Like I said earlier,we should not be holding on to rhianna as any promoter of our tourism product.

    I predicted she would go there,and today in GQ magazine rhianna is photographed toplees on the cover of the magazine and with some other slutish poses inside the cover.

    I told you playboy was where she is heading,it’s where she wants to go.

    The girl has no class and no morals.

    Yet thompson is still keeping her as an ambassador to the youth.wow.

    Bonny peppa did tell us early on the kind of character this rhianna is – not the sweet lil innocent girl we thought she was,but still – can’t she take a leaf from beyonce or mary blige or some of the decent entertainers?

    sheesh man.

  44. Alex Fergusson Avatar
    Alex Fergusson

    LOCAL HOTELS WILL BE dealt a “catastrophic blow” if British Airways’ cabin crew go through with their threatened strike from December 22 to January 2.

    That’s according to executive vice-president of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Sue Springer.

    She told the MIDWEEK NATION the proposed 12-day strike by the airline, which runs ten flights per week into Barbados, would have a “massive impact” on hoteliers, especially those on the West Coast.

    Springer said while BA would honour cancelled or rescheduled flights, hoteliers were in a compromised position since they did not know whether visitors would be arriving or not.

    “They are now trying to monitor what effect [the strike] will have,” she said, noting that the BHTA had been aware of the possibility of a strike since last month’s World Travel Market in London.

    http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/LEAD-BA-strike-impact-FRONT-PAGE-LEAD

    +++++++++++++++++++

    Barbados stands to lose over $700 m, and 40% of its market or 70% of the West Coast traffic.

    What is there to smile about.

    Now, what does that fool WIV has to say!!!

    AGAIN – MORE EVIDENCE THAT THE DLP DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS DOING.

    It had to be aware of this strike since November but did nothing!!!!

    How unpatriotic and incompetent!!!

  45. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    Alex Fergusson, What breed of loyal Barbadian can take joy from the news that BA may strike over the Christmas Holidays other than an idiot such as this thing called Paro In A Suit Sylvan Greenidge, there should be no one that should be smiling about a BA strike you idiot.

    I assume in your simplistic mind this an evil created by the bad DLP in your books, smarten up and maybe let people try to think of you as a half sensible opposition right now you are seen as totally stupid bunch of misfits without a leader.

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