When you think of Barbados, the first thing that springs to mind is summery cocktails, white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. But could you ever picture yourself there during the colder months?
That’s what Billy Griffith, the CEO at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. has in mind for improving Barbados’ tourism industry, with plans for more sport, food and cultural events to entice holidaymakers in the low season, according to TravelMole.com.
The efforts include a big shift in focus to the island’s culinary experiences and offerings, particularly in rum shops, beach shacks and festivals. There’s also a dine-around programme that allows tourists to enjoy a luxury three-course meal for just $50 USD.
Festivals and events include the Barbados Celtic Festival (May 23rd-27th), Dive Fest Barbados (July 4th-8th) and the Crop Over Festival (June 25th-8th August). And let’s not forget the famous Barbados Food and Rum Festival, which returns on October 18th-21st.
As well as experiencing Barbados’ sport and foodie festivals, you’ll also be able to take advantage of cheaper rates of travel and enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet – perfect if you’re on the lookout for a cheap singles holiday. But the best part? You can also still enjoy snorkelling and soaking up the sun on Barbados’ beaches as you would during the high season, as Barbados’ lowest temperatures still reach a fantastic 26°C.
The UK remains as Barbados’ biggest tourist base, equating to roughly one-third of the market. Last year, Virgin Atlantic introduced bi-weekly flights to Barbados from both Heathrow and Gatwick in an attempt to keep visits strong and the paradise island welcomed roughly 222,000 UK visitors. Visits from the US and Canada are on the increase and last year Barbados saw an increase of 11.7% and 7.9% respectively.
