Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Marc Melville, has disclosed that over five million dollars have been invested in enhancing Barbados’ premier attraction, Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park.
Mr. Melville was speaking about the improvements carried out by Chukka during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Green Monkey Pool Bar and Grill and the Pride of Barbados Nature Trail and Aviary, on Monday.
He said: “As of today, we have added the Monkey Zipline Adventure, the Gully Challenge Course, the Welchman Hall Gift Shop and Boutique, the Discover Barbados Video Room, the Mount Gay History Room and Rum Tasting Experience as well as enhancements to the Visitor Reception Centre, all to the tune of an investment in excess of BDS $5 million to date.”
The CEO noted that the work carried out to enhance the facility was “severely impacted” by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since reopening in July of 2021, he said the attraction is “almost back on track”, in terms of the number of persons visiting the cave.
Mr. Melville assured that his company is committed to enhancing the natural beauty of Harrison’s Cave, as shown by the introduction of a diverse set of activities, which would “encourage guests to stay on site longer or to keep coming back”.
Chukka Barbados Country Manager, Andrea Franklin, shared that the Chukka Foundation, which was established to work on enhancing surrounding communities and protect its heritage status, has successfully hosted its first official community outreach activity with the children of the surrounding areas in December 2022. It also held ‘Our Love Up the Elderly Day’ on Valentine’s Day this year. She noted that a series of other events are also being planned for the remainder of 2023.
Ms. Franklin also spoke about new activities to be added as part of Phase Five of Chukka’s enhancement programme. “Over the next year, we will begin enhancements to the Cave Interpretive Centre to bring that area in line with the rest of what we are doing here. This will include the modernisation of the overall audio visual experience and the incorporation of a more interactive environment. Installation of the new stairway to the lower level of the park is also set to begin in a few months, as well as increasing the retail options on site through the opening up of the kiosks.”
CEO Melville also disclosed that the attraction would be having a summer promotion.
“We wish to thank all those who visited over the last two years and are pleased to launch our All You Can Play Summer Promotion, which will run from May 15 to September 15. The promotion will include discounts on tour packages as well as exciting events on the property throughout the summer. In addition, our Annual Membership Programme will also shortly be rolled out, which will allow persons to access the Park and special offers throughout the year,” he said.
The Jamaican-based company, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, was formed in 1983. It also operates other nature-adventure attractions in Jamaica, Belize, Turk and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic. Chukka Caribbean Adventures (Barbados) Ltd. currently employs 76 persons.