Caribbean’s cruise tourism share slipping

Minister George Hutson addressing the seminar. (Picture by Shaka Mayers)

Thu, September 09, 2010 - 12:00 AM

Barbados and other Caribbean countries stand to lose a greater share of the world tourism cake if they don’t keep refreshing their offering to holiday-makers.

Minister of International Business and International Transport George Hutson delivered this warning yesterday at a seminar on Branding For Cruise Destinations at Hilton Barbados.

He reported that Barbados was catering to more tourists who started and ended a cruise in the island, with these arrivals climbing from 137 064 in 2008 to 153 875 last year.

Barbados’ earnings from overall cruise tourism were also rising and had reached $78 million last year, Hutson said.

“We must not, however, take these achievements for granted, especially given the growth and appeal of cruise tourism worldwide,” he asserted.

He pointed out that while the region remained the world’s most popular cruise destination, there had been “a substantial loss of market share”.

That share has dropped from 46.69 per cent in 2006, to 41.02 per cent in 2007, to 37.25 per cent in 2008 and 37.02 per cent last year, he said.

The minister added that the evidence suggested that the Mediterranean and Europe were the new growth markets for the cruise industry.

Against this backdrop, Hutson said: “We must continue to develop creative and innovative means of sustaining the industry’s development.

“Consequently, we need to implement strategies to continually develop and redevelop the various components of our tourism product offering.”

He noted that larger cruise vessels now under construction were being designed to give cruise passengers “a total holiday experience onboard the vessel”, including some of what the region offered.

He said Barbados was moving to tackle some of its tourism challenges.

Initiatives planned include some aimed at encouraging ships to stay longer in port, he reported, adding that Government also proposed to expand the opportunities to offer “homeport options”. (TY)

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Posted by Joseph Prospero 1 year, 5 months ago: Barbados is inhospitable to one of the most active tourism markets - senior citizens. I have visited Barbados regularly for 40 years, always renting a car. But in July I was denied a rental because of my age - 75. To rent a car I would be required to have a complete physical exam. This is an impossible requirement that precludes driving. I have never encountered this absurd situation in any other country. This will discourage senior tourists.

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Posted by Derek Dunne 1 year ago: Increasing numbers of passengers starting and ending their cruises in Barbados won’t lead to more income. Do these people see anything other than the view through the bus window.
Do we update the cruise companies on all of the things to see and do in Barbados? Rather than the six the ship offers we should show them dozens of things.
How about trying Oistins fish fry during the day? Something lively, good music, friendly people and great food. OK, someone is bound to tell me that happens already.
How about a good map with all the historical places of interest. Showing a marked route to make the best of their time. Or even a guided walking tour around Bridgetown.
Are the taxi drivers a bit intimidating? Does Broad Street really need 100 taxi drivers? Well that’s what it feels like to me.
I’m sure there is plenty that can be done. It might be different from before but the world has changed a lot recently and we need to change too.