Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has attributed the reported growth in the island’s tourism sector to Bajan hospitality.
Mr. Gooding-Edghill was responding to the report from Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, on Tuesday, April 30, that the economy grew by 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of the year, led by an “extraordinary performance” by the tourism sector.
The Minister, who was addressing the Third Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations last evening at Accra Beach Hotel, said: “I feel very encouraged by the growth within the tourism sector. But I also want to thank all Barbadians for allowing us to achieve what we’ve achieved. The Barbados brand itself is very respected, but it’s the warmth and friendliness of Barbadians who make the difference. And they are in no small measure responsible for what we’ve seen today….
“I really have to say thanks to all the workers within the tourism sector, thanks to all Barbadians, because they made it happen…. We can bring the visitors to Barbados, but it is that experience in Barbados that will always take us to the next level. And I believe that what we’ve been able to accomplish last season is remarkable and we’re looking forward to even better things going forward.”
He also explained that the growth in the sector was because of the Ministry’s strategy to increase its airlift and cruise capacity, explore emerging markets, improve and increase the number of tourist product offerings on the island, and increase its marketing efforts, which is being driven by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
“What you’re beginning to see is the execution of a strategy when I joined the Ministry in October of 2022 and the strategy clearly had to be based on growth. And therefore, what we’ve done is that we’ve put the best strategy using different tactics in order to drive growth within the sector. And I’m very encouraged by the growth, but we still have a long way to go.
“I believe that we have a lot more to accomplish, and as I always say, you’re only as good as yesterday. So, we will have to continue to work very hard to make sure we position Barbados and its brand to be that very idyllic, attractive, highly mature destination that continues to pay dividends for Barbados,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.