The Barbados tourism sector has taken a nosedive so far for the year, and an imminent cut in flights to the island from at least one major source market could result in a further blow.
For the nine-month period ending September 30, the sector recorded a decline of 6.3 per cent in long-stay arrivals when compared to the same period last year, according to a dismal industry performance report presented yesterday.
The fall-off was compounded by the closure of the all-inclusive Almond Beach Resort, reduced flights out of some markets, as well as a reduction in tourist spend which resulted in a decline in retail revenue of between 10 to 20 per cent over the period under review.
There were declines in visitor arrivals from all major markets with Trinidad and Tobago, the largest CARICOM market, recording the largest drop of 17.2 per cent. Britain declined by 2.9 per cent, Canada 7.3 per cent and the United States 9.6 per cent.
