Barbados will invest $11 million on a new tourism product, ‘Barbados Island Inclusive’.
It is estimated that this will bring an estimated $30 million in visitor-spending across the island.
The new initiative offers visitors an air and accommodation package from April 29, that earns them free dining .
Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy : “While those previous promotions delivered savings at the point of purchase to the customer ,they did not promote or commit this proposed level of spending in Barbados. That money stayed in the distribution channels outside of Barbados”.
He explained to members of the media in the Barbados Tourism Authority boardroom at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre today, that the intention was to spread returns of this investment to eating houses beyond the BTA and Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s definition of a restaurant.
“For example selected vendors at Oistins will be able to participate,” he said.
Sealy said 15 eating places have signed on for the programme adding the list as ‘not exhaustive’.
“The whole idea is to get a cross-section of other [eating] establishments and attractions,” he explained.
Potential visitors in the UK, Canada, US, Europe, the Caribbean and Brazil are targeted, and coupons are issued on arrival at the hotel booked. (GA)
