Tourism in need of repair

By – Carl Pinder
| Tue, September 18, 2012 - 12:01 AM

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Recently we have read that Barbados’ tourism is below par, and needs to be revitalized. On my visit to several places of interest last month I was surprised to see their degradation.

Harrison’s Cave was a let-down, especially for the money you pay. You have to wait too long get on a tram; and if you have a taxi waiting, the cost becomes very high. Also, the snacks are too expensive; and they have an ultramodern restaurant, but it is closed.

A visit to the Flower Forest is like going on a safari: the road is very bad and needs proper signage; and a tour guide would help the visitor along the trails, or perhaps a better guide map.

The Wild Life Reserve needs to upgrade its animal life and the road to the place. I had a hired jeep and I lost one of the tyres there. The restaurant needs to be more varied in its menu, and its drinks are too expensive.

I learned on my way around the island that over five restaurants on the East Coast are all closed, and it’s hard to get local food at most of those in operation.

Plus, island tours are quite expensive. The most a visitor should pay for such is $120 per person, inclusive of lunch. No wonder visitors come to the island and stay on the beaches.

I do hope we improve by 2013, or else we will see the end of an industry that has for us been a great money earner.