Barbados is set to host some of the biggest names in the global tourism industry when Connect Barbados 50 convenes at Hilton Barbados
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – Global tour operators have carved out critical time to meet with the leadership of Barbados’ tourism industry this week, May 11-15, 2016.
According to CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., William Griffith, the conference, dubbed Connect Barbados 50, is a major thrust by the industry to join in the 50 anniversary celebrations of Barbados’ independence, while affording local partners the chance to interact directly with some of the biggest sellers in tourism.
“Over 950 meetings will take place during the next two days and our partners will have a golden opportunity to negotiate additional business for their respective properties, attractions, etc. For us at the BTMI, it is an important opportunity to get vital feedback from them while showcasing all that is new and exciting about our destination.”
Barbados seeking to grow tourism market share in Connect Barbados 50 tour operator conference
The BTMI conference, which will be hosted by Hilton Barbados, has attracted tour operators from the USA, the UK, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean & Latin America, including major names such as Expedia, British Airways Holidays, Virgin Holidays, Thomas Cook, Apple Vacations, CheapCaribbean.com, JetBlue Getaways and more. The deals struck during these business-to-business (B2B) conferences often generate millions of dollars and provide hundreds of jobs for industry workers.
During the conference, which will run from Wednesday, May 11 to Sunday, May 15, 2016, the operators will explore the Museum of Parliament, learn of the island’s Barbados’ history during the Holetown Heritage Walking Tour and savour Barbados’ best epicurean offerings during several events.
CEO Griffith emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong reciprocal relationship with the tour operators indicating that it bodes well for the island’s tourism arrivals in the long term.
“Tour operators are a major source of revenue for our country because of the hundreds of thousands of visitors they refer to our destination each year. At the same time, they rely heavily on us as destination marketing companies to provide them with up-to-date selling points that can match what visitors want. This week is therefore about empowering them to be true ambassadors for brand Barbados and we are pleased to be able to do this with the support of our partners, the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) and the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA).”
