TORONTO – Overlooking the entire skyline of downtown Toronto, the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) launched its 12th annual promotional festival Barbados On The Water at the top floor of the Westin Habour Castle, a magnificent 38-storey hotel.

Addressing more than 250 guests which included top Barbadian celebrities, international journalists and members of the Canadian travel trade, Barbados' High Commissioner to Canada, Glyne Murray, said that the festival staged from June 15 to 17, would not only market Barbados as a destination, but would showcase its culture internationally.

"Forty years ago many people joked that Barbados did not have a culture. However, today Barbadians can boast that we don't only have a strong and vibrant culture, but we are able to export our culture to First World countries," added Murray, who said culture could be used to further solidify Barbados' tourism industry.

Success

According to him, the event would enable Barbados to muscle in against other destinations vying for the market share in Canada and congratulated the BTA on its success with these activities.

Speaking in an atmosphere of jubilation, Murray recounted: "For many years, Barbados On The Water has been the envy of many destinations.

"I have been approached by many tourism marketers who were baffled by the way Barbados has been able to successfully stage high-quality events as well as cost-effectively promoting its product through positive headlines in the Canadian Press."

Cheryl Carter, senior business development manager with the Barbados Country Team in Toronto, said Barbados On The Water would help Barbados to stand out from the crowd.

"Our principal strategy is to stage events that would highlight Barbados' unique selling points and differentiate it from other global destinations."

Potpourri of acts

Barbados On The Water, a potpourri of acts, featured the Boogie Knights Band, including Rupee, The Mighty Gabby, Kid Site, Serenader, Natalie Burke, Biggie Irie, Marisa Lindsay, Eddie Bullen, and David Ziggy Walcott; a gospel concert with the Praise Academy Of Dance; comedy with Pampalam, culinary demonstrations by celebrity chef Peter Edey; and a Mount Gay Rum tasting.

It also included a visual arts exhibit and studio theatre, featuring readings by former President and editor-in-chief of THE NATION, Harold Hoyte; and floral exhibitions.

Other events to be hosted in Canada include; Ottawa International Jazz Festival featuring Marisa Lindsay on Friday; Polo For Heart on Sunday; Barbados Day At Woodbine, Saturday; Beaches International Jazz Festival, July 28; PartiGras At The Distillery featuring Rosemary Phillips, July 20 and 21; and Jomo Lord at the Ottawa Bluesfest on July 11. (PR)