CULINARY TOURISM is an important niche that has helped to differentiate Barbados from other destinations.
This point was reiterated by Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, while addressing the launch of the sixth Barbados Community College’s Hospitality Institute and Banks Holdings Limited calendar.
“The aim is for you to enhance that niche offering. You really can’t go wrong with choosing to specialise in culinary tourism. I sincerely hope you are encouraged to go to the next level. There is no reason why you can’t see yourself as a future leader, so it is incumbent you see yourself as a stakeholder in the sector,” he said.
Sealy told those present at the event held at the PomMarine Training Institute, Hastings, Christ Church, recently that he was heartened to take part in a positive youth activity, and he praised the participants.
This year saw some innovations as a part-time group was chosen to be highlighted on the calendar, called Let’s Cool It Down – Creative, Colourful, Chic. In addition, 14 people were chosen – 12 for the year and two for the 2015 preview. Another difference was that the class was mostly made up of male students.
Banks Holdings chief executive officer and managing director Richard Cozier said he hoped the calendar would be a springboard for the students’ further success.
“It is our hope that these calendars, which have found their way into thousands of Barbadian homes, will also find a place in every bartending establishment in Barbados. We are also on a mission to assist with local employment where we can. These young hospitality students are competing on a global platform and by profiling them it is our hope that we give them an edge when they graduate and venture into their respective careers,” he said.
