Travel

Barbados Voted Best Destination By Expedia

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados is on a winning streak having been voted Caribbean Best Destination 2016 in recognition of outstanding performance and partnership by Expedia, the largest retailer of travel products in the entire Caribbean.

The award, which was presented before an audience of regional and international industry executives during the recently concluded Caribbean Travel Marketplace in The Bahamas, marked the seventh international award Barbados has received in the past 12 months.

The island was also dubbed Best Destination by Caribbean Journal and third among the islands of the Caribbean by Trip Advisor in 2015.  Telegraph readers also voted Barbados the best destination in the Caribbean for family holidays, best Caribbean beach holiday destination, best destination for activity and adventure holidays, and best destination for wedding and honeymoons.  In addition, the island has been shortlisted in the destination category for the Routes Americas 2016 Marketing Awards.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Accepts Award

On receiving the latest award from Expedia, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) CEO, William Griffith, said it was testament to the collaborative efforts local industry partners have been making on behalf of the island. He also stated that it was a clear manifestation of the significant work being done by the entire BTMI leadership team in the major markets of the UK, USA and Canada.

“Each award we have received over the past 12 months has been confirmation for us that we are moving in the right direction with our destination marketing and product development, which continues to be a team effort across the public and private sector.  It is also great momentum as we draw closer to our 50th anniversary of Independence and we have already begun to share the excitement with all of our partners.”

Tourism decision-makers on the island continue to work assiduously toward ensuring the sectors continued recovery, with 2015 being dubbed a record year for air arrivals.  Several hotels underwent renovations in 2015 with new properties such as Sandals and Sugar Bay providing contemporary all-inclusive accommodation.  Efforts are also underway to enhance to variety and quality of product offerings available to cruise and long-stay visitors through the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA).  With the winter season in full swing and select hotels partnering with the BTMI to offer 50 percent off through the annual Brilliant Barbados 50 travel sale there certainly is no time like the present to visit the island.

Peter Mayers, Director Canada, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI); Demetrius Canton, Director, Caribbean, Expedia; Petra Roach, Director, USA, BTMI; Alvin Jemmott, Chairman, BTMI; Cheryl Carter, Director UK, BTMI; William Griffith, CEO, BTMI; Dana Guiloff, Market Manager, Expedia; and Luciana Melo, Area Director, Expedia posing with Barbados’ Caribbean Best Destination Award 2016 in The Bahamas last month.
L-R: Peter Mayers, Director Canada, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI); Demetrius Canton, Director, Caribbean, Expedia; Petra Roach, Director, USA, BTMI; Alvin Jemmott, Chairman, BTMI; Cheryl Carter, Director UK, BTMI; William Griffith, CEO, BTMI; Dana Guiloff, Market Manager, Expedia; and Luciana Melo, Area Director, Expedia posing with Barbados’ Caribbean Best Destination Award 2016 in The Bahamas Jan. 2016.

Expedia Inc., which featuress some of he world’s leading online travel brands, including travelocity, Hotels.com, trivago and orbitz, registered $55 billion in bookings and 188.2 million room nights in the first three quarters of 2015.  Demetrius Canton, Director for the Caribbean at Expedia, commended the island’s tourism partners on their well-deserved win.

“It’s an honour to confer this award on Barbados.  The island continues to be a leader in providing unforgettable, value-for-money travel experiences and we’ve seen the demand for holidays to Barbados continue to grow.  It is truly well-deserved.”

 

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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