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The diversification of products and services and the digitalisation of the sector are two key strategies that should be implemented in order to enhance Barbados’ tourism industry.

These recommendations emerged during Day One of the ‘Re-imagining Tourism in Barbados’ online consultation.  The focus was on the topic ‘Travel and Tourism’.

Each day a presentation will be made on a particular topic, followed by breakout sessions, where groups will discuss how the information presented applies to Barbados and how strategies can be derived for short and medium-term use. After the breakout sessions, each group will present what conclusions and strategies they came up with.

Other proposals coming out of the breakout sessions include: creating linkages with other sectors, e.g. agriculture and energy; virtual tourism product offerings; creating a more disable-friendly environment; involving community tourism stakeholders in decision-making; moving away from having a seasonal tourism sector, and educating the public about the value of tourism to lives, livelihoods and the economy.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, in her closing remarks, thanked all participants for their valuable contribution and feedback.

“And so the question of overtourism, of seasonality, of digitisation, of SMEs, of authenticity and the creation of linkages between the other productive sectors, including entertainment and the creative industries more widely, … are all critical elements,” Minister Cummins concluded.

She further noted that what emerges from the breakout groups would be “absolutely critical” to help the Ministry devise strategies that would benefit the sector going forward. 

The online consultation will end tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31.

sheena.forde-craigg@barbados.gov.bb

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