Maritime offerings are underutilized in Barbados and have been so for far too long.
That’s according to Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, who has challenged more businesses to attract visitors to these shores and sustain their interest.
His comments were made on Saturday night at the launch of the new luxury catamaran Spirit Of Barbados at the Shallow Draught.
Sealy, while applauding the Foster & Ince group for making such an investment at this tough economic time, underscored the importance of the venture at this juncture, especially with the Harbour Master moving to Trinidad.
“Often we forget to realize that businessmen are people who have real blood flowing through their veins; they feel everything we feel,” he said.
Sealy also commended the group for the merchandising aspect added to the business.
“Too many attractions haven’t exploited the merchandising aspect as they should,” he lamented. “When you have an attraction, you need to provide as many attractions to extract dollar bills from the customers.”
Sealy said it was also important for mature destinations to offer something different in the market.
“It is good to see that what we are celebrating today is 100 per cent Bajan. That is to be saluted,” he said.
Foster & Ince chief executive officer Martin Ince told the small gathering: “Despite the figures projected in the future for the tourism industry, we continue to be excited about the future of Barbados as a premium destination. We are confident that we have in this new unique catamaran product what it takes to appeal to the luxury and higher end of the market.”
He added: “We are plain old hard-working Bajans with a vision.”
Ince reported that cruises on this new catamaran had started two weeks ago with some charters.
He said the group will be offering a sushi and champagne sunset cruise, along with a luxury luncheon cruise, as well as private cruises. Moonlight cruises are also planned.
