Faced with a paucity of applicants to develop heritage-based tourism products, Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy has called for a stepped-up marketing programme for Historic Bridgetown And Its Garrison.
In a recent speech to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Sealy said there were opportunities under the Tourism Development Act for projects within the world heritage site that would benefit from meaningful concessions.
He warned: “l challenge the BHTA to take full advantage of this very exciting opportunity because if we don’t make the most of what is a tremendous honour, UNESCO will review whether we need the inscription or not.”
According to Sealy: “They [UNESCO] are free to take it away if they think that we are not serious about it. So, let us continue to work with our partners and take full advantage of what is an excellent opportunity for tourism.”
Barbados fought a successful battle and received the UN agency’s inscription on June 25, 2011 in Paris. Under the designation, Barbadian entrepreneurs are expected to create new businesses.
World Heritage status will allow Barbados greater access to international support through financial aid and technical assistance for the preservation and conservation of the property. (BGIS)
