Analysis of the first nine months of 2013 in terms of long stay visitor arrivals confirm that while all major markets experienced substantial declines, the most resilient and therefore least impacted, was the United Kingdom with a 2.9 per cent fall when compared with the same period in 2012.
Give that so many discussions have taken place regarding the negative effects of the dreaded APD (Advanced Passenger Duty), some may find this surprising. To be fair credit must be given to the BTA staff in London and the private sector tourism sector on Barbados for stepping up to the plate, despite all the fiscal challenges, to minimise the overall decline in arrivals?
It is often touted that the typical British visitor stays longer and spends more money, and perhaps, these attributes are where we should be spending more of the precious available marketing funds to cultivate at this time. Politically we know that the volume of numbers is often all-important, but should ‘we’ currently be focusing on the bottomline in terms of the overall value contribution our visitors are making?
With the recent appointment of a new British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, is it time to sit down with her (Mrs. Victoria Glynis Dean) and explore ways that we can influence and entice additional UK residents to our shores. Not just from a holidaymaker’s point of view but increased trade delegations, sporting and common interest groups and the like.
While the very last objective is to further reduce airlift capacity to/from Gatwick and Manchester with existing carriers, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, I still believe there is further scope for limited target charters from airports like Belfast, where a ZERO rate of APD applies to long haul routes. Also cruise and stay programmes where extra numbers can be generated from areas like Glasgow, Edinburgh and London’s third airport, Stansted.
Having also recently returned from a short break in the Florida Keys after eight days in England, we have to do a much better job of emphasizing our value-for-money. Very few if any resorts on Barbados that I am aware of, impose a mandatory 18 per cent service charge. A resort charge of US$20 per day, in addition to the customary sales tax (VAT), of between 7.5 and 12.5 per cent. Yet the Brits are flocking in their increased numbers to the United States and especially to Florida.
Certainly, in my personal experience, our tourism offering prices on Barbados compare very favourably with that American state and without doubt the culinary experiences here are largely a high higher and more delectable standard.
Yes! APD also applies on Florida flights from the UK, but the differential is only GBPounds 22 on return economy fares, which spread over a two week holiday, would hardly determine final destination choice.
Some months ago, the issuance of an APD discount voucher to this market was announced, but again not implemented. But, judging by recent airline seat sales offering flights during the peak winter months of January, February and March of 2014, I somehow think our limited financial resources can be better spent.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.